Crossing the US Border

[Keebler Elf]

If the OP was convicted he needs to get a criminal record check to make sure it was actually expunged. Normally a pardon does that. If it shows up on the record check DO NOT go to the US until you've had it expunged; once you cross the border they'll check your record and if it's there then the US has that info FOREVER. No amount of pardons down the road can make the US delete THEIR records. Also, the US does not recognize Canadian pardons so make sure you're electronic record is cleared before crossing the border.

The other problem is they normally ask you if you've been CHARGED, not convicted. If you lie about that and they find out then you're fucked. They'll likely make you inadmissible for at least 5 years, maybe permanently depending on how much you pissed them off.

Make sure there's nothing on your cell phone about any of this. They may check.

Never contact border security for their "assistance." That's the dumbest advice I read here. Check the internet or better yet talk to an immigration lawyer if you're concerned. Tipping them off that you have a record will only hurt you.

 

[Keebler Elf]

If you had a criminal record in Canada and have never tried to cross the US border but obtained a Canadian pardon, it will not show up when you do cross. If you had a record and were refused entry to the US it doesn't matter if you have a pardon or not, you will always be in their system and will need a waiver.

Bingo.

 

[maurice93]

How dumb can it be if it has a 100% success rate? Don't know anyone that's ever been caught! You give American's too much credit.

I have no clue if it's ever failed. I don't hang out with idiots who would think this is a good plan.

 

[basketcase]

You said you were charged...there is no problem with that. Were you convicted? Conviction is what US looks at.....

They also look at your response to have you ever been arrested or have you ever been charged with a crime. If the OP answered no to either of these he could be excluded.

From what I can guess, if paying the money back was part of a deal it is possible that no conviction is registered, the devil is in the details.


p.s. The US doesn't expunge records. Once they enter their system they stay there.

 

[basketcase]

If you had a criminal record in Canada and have never tried to cross the US border but obtained a Canadian pardon, it will not show up when you do cross.....

Not my experience. I had charges that were withdrawn but the Americans still had it in their system when I crossed for the first time more than a decade later.

 

[appleb]

Here's what I would do... If you have friend/brother that you look similar to book the ticket in their name and use their passport. Problem solved.

Worst advice ever! Imagine the shitstorm that would go down if you were caught using a false identity.

 

[HOLLYWOODG]

Worst advice ever! Imagine the shitstorm that would go down if you were caught using a false identity.

Not likely to happen. I'd take my chances.

 

[MissCroft]

Another tip is to never lie to U.S. immigration about being denied entry before. I have found that being very friendly, honest, and upfront will get you everywhere. They have even told me they wished everyone was as honest as me.

 

[dirkd101]

Not likely to happen. I'd take my chances.

Good for you, for sticking to your guns, on this moronic thought.

Here's the charges you'll face if caught;

18 USC 1544 Misuse of Passport, and
18 USC 911 False Claim to Citizenship, and
18 USC 1028 Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Identification Documents and Information

And your friend who is stupid enough to lend his passport;

18 USC 371 Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud the United States, and
18 USC 1028 Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Identification Documents and Information

In case you didn't know this, it's a crime to impersonate someone else and in this day and age, since 9/11, the American's take this stuff pretty seriously.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Hint people... he's trolling.

 

[HOLLYWOODG]

Clearly a troll....he needs a "DO NOT FEED" medic alert bracelet.

No, I was actually dead serious. It's not like they are asking for a fingerprint or DNA sample. Very unlikely that you would be caught if you have the passport of someone you look like and don't act nervous.

 

[OnTheWayOut]

No, I was actually dead serious. It's not like they are asking for a fingerprint or DNA sample. Very unlikely that you would be caught if you have the passport of someone you look like and don't act nervous.

I cross the border many times a year and you need to realize these border agents are well trained to pick up on clues that indicate someone is lying. Even though I have a spotless record and they see that when they pull up my info, I will get asked a seemingly random, off the wall question every now and then. It is not so much my answer they are scrutinizing, it is my response to the question. You cannot prepare for this, it will catch you off guard and get you nailed. I drive away shaking my head trying to make sense of the question, then realize it's purpose.

Always be honest and answer their questions as simply an directly as possible. Have your documents in hand, easy to do while you are waiting in line. They have a tedious but important job and they do not want to make friends or hear your latest joke. The easier you make their day, the easier your crossing experience will be. So be direct and do not elaborate unless asked to do so. The more you talk the more likely you will get yourself in hot water.

 

[Piratos]

If you have been determined to be inadmissible you need to apply for a waiver.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...dian-with-criminal-record-or-overstay,-waiver

 

[Mr. Piggy]

No, I was actually dead serious. It's not like they are asking for a fingerprint or DNA sample. Very unlikely that you would be caught if you have the passport of someone you look like and don't act nervous.

Since you just joined, I'm thinking you are one of those dumbasses that was banned for stirring up shit in the past. Now your doing the same thing. Anyone else think this.

 

[fuji]

Good for you, for sticking to your guns, on this moronic thought.

Here's the charges you'll face if caught;

18 USC 1544 Misuse of Passport, and
18 USC 911 False Claim to Citizenship, and
18 USC 1028 Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Identification Documents and Information

And your friend who is stupid enough to lend his passport;

18 USC 371 Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud the United States, and
18 USC 1028 Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Identification Documents and Information

In case you didn't know this, it's a crime to impersonate someone else and in this day and age, since 9/11, the American's take this stuff pretty seriously.

And those are just the American charges. It's a crime in Canada, too.

 

[spankingman]

I cross the border many times a year and you need to realize these border agents are well trained to pick up on clues that indicate someone is lying. Even though I have a spotless record and they see that when they pull up my info, I will get asked a seemingly random, off the wall question every now and then. It is not so much my answer they are scrutinizing, it is my response to the question. You cannot prepare for this, it will catch you off guard and get you nailed. I drive away shaking my head trying to make sense of the question, then realize it's purpose.
Always be honest and answer their questions as simply an directly as possible. Have your documents in hand, easy to do while you are waiting in line. They have a tedious but important job and they do not want to make friends or hear your latest joke. The easier you make their day, the easier your crossing experience will be. So be direct and do not elaborate unless asked to do so. The more you talk the more likely you will get yourself in hot water.

I have been asked where I work what I do for a living how much money I am bringing into the U.S. Best advice Don't fuck with the FEDS!

 

[SkyRider]

I have been asked where I work what I do for a living how much money I am bringing into the U.S.

These are the same questions I get asked and also when am I returning to Canada. I also voluntarily show them my business card (is this a bad idea?).

 

[waterloodude]

These are the same questions I get asked and also when am I returning to Canada. I also voluntarily show them my business card (is this a bad idea?).

In my experience Canadian border agents seem focused on what I'm bringing back (i.e. duty taxes). US border agents seem focused on what I do (i.e. don't steal our American jobs). Never had a Canadian border agent ask me what I do for a living even when I checked business as the reason for travel.

 

[glamphotographer]

How dumb can it be if it has a 100% success rate? Don't know anyone that's ever been caught! You give American's too much credit.

If 9/11 happened then.....I guess I would not be surprised if this happened more than we think.

 

[onthebottom]

Bunch of outlaws here....

LOL