People are shocked when they are refused entry to the US for a criminal record that happened decades ago.
Often, the person has traveled in the past without an issue. It just takes one customs officer to do a criminal check and then you are denied entry to the US.
The situation can be highly embarassing and shocking, especially if you haven’t turned your mind to the charge in many many years.
Here is an email we recently received from a person who was refused entry to the US for a theft charge from 1972:
“I live 5 minutes away from the US border to Point Roberts, Washington and have traveled there frequently (3 – 4 times per week) for the last 35 years with no issues. On December 28th, 2013 I was denied entry because of something that happened 42 years ago. I know it is their right to do that, however, I don’t quite understand the logic. I am looking for whatever help I can get to receive a pardon for the charges, as well as, be permitted entry into the United States again.”
Once you have been denied entry to the US, you will need a US Entry Waiver (I-192, I-194) to return to the US. The application is complicated and can be costly.
If you have never been denied entry to the US, then you can obtain a Canada Pardon or Record Suspension and remove your criminal record so that the Americans will NOT see your record in the future.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons, Record Suspensions and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011 or 416-929-6011.
