The answer to Emma Brockes’s problem with the notoriously hostile US immigration “service” (Journal, 7 January) is to fly with Aer Lingus via Dublin from Birmingham. Dublin airport has a US immigration desk that provides clearance and avoids the trained gorillas at JFK and other US airports. I always find the American staff at Dublin friendly and helpful and it adds little to journey times.

Roy Boffy

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

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