Quote Originally Posted by KindMidasSoundman
OH! Did I mention that my Great Grandfather was from India and that I have a (slightly) middle-eastern-sounding surname?
I was born and raised in Chicago, and until last year had never been out of the country. I have never been arrested.

IMO racial profiling is alive and well at the US Department of State. If you are a minority you will probably have to wade through miles of red tape to get a passport, but you should do it. It's a nice thing to have. It provides undeniable identification.

Visiting this website would be a good first step for you.
http://travel.state.gov/
Totally real, I'm sorry to hear that dude. My wife is Asian-American and we are having the hardest time obtaining a new social security card for her with my last name because they don't believe who she says she is. They think she's some fresh-off-the-boat. Meanwhile she was born in Los Angeles and speaks perfect english and has a college education. GO F'ing FIGURE!!!! Land of the free; my ass!