As a US citizen I am slightly embarrassed by this. Unless there is more to the story than the author is telling, it's a ridiculous way to treat those wishing to see our great country. There was nothing in his suitcase and he said nothing incriminating, the only thing he did wrong was to be a traveler of the world."We are under the impression you have more ties with more countries we are not on friendly terms with than your own. We decided to bring you back to the Canadian border."
-What a crock.
Then the Canadians happily took him. Even as an American citizen these type of things can be very heavy. When I went through border security after my trip to Turkey the attitude was pretty much the same sentiment: "Why would you want to go to Turkey?" As if people didn't just want to travel and see the world. I am embarrassed and quite frankly feel helpless. I've written my congress person and senators to this effect but neither political groups seem to care enough. I wonder if things like this will ever change.
I think as the world becomes increasingly "plugged in" to an online existence co-mingled with IRL, things like this will be less likely. You'll be able to know 1. Who/What a person is 2. Who they also know well 3. That person could in real time project out the troubles they're having at the border with supporters rallying to their defense. -All in real time.