Such problems exist everywhere. Atleast, it happens from where I've come.

When I went to rent a car centre couple of months back, that guy asked me if I'm an American. I said, No I'm a Pakistani. He said...Okie then, you'll have to deposit your original passport with us. What to do...Yaa'ni? :P

PS: No need to grab your bebsi & bobcorn. No Sh!t Stirring intended ;)