[elorm]

This whole debacle scares me. It’s almost impossible to figure out the official reason she was flagged by the first border officer.

She had a prior denial for a work visa. Then flew into San Diego to apply the second time and got it. Apparently, she should’ve applied via her consulate instead because of the prior denial ?

Can someone explain in non legal terms why this resulted in a visa revocation and detention?

[everfrustrated]

If you've previously been denied a visa you're no longer able to use the visa on arrival system. Hence you need to apply for a visa before you travel.

[mjevans]

I think the question is: why were they even let in at the border crossing if it wasn't a valid entry? Shouldn't they have been turned back there?

[deskamess]

Very likely, that as a Canadian, you can enter the US without a visa as long as you do not work. You need a TN visa+status to work. So probably entered US on passport (no visa status) and then applied for TN... during which things went poorly.