Just a friendly reminder to those Canadians that are going Stateside for March break. New Homeland security will be scrutinizing all identification for fly in travelers so you can be refused / detained at the airport customs for any records existing in Canada or the US. Case in point this morning a friend of mine who I drove to the airport was refused US entry and detained for 3 hours due to a Juvenile record (arrested for under aged drinking in Ontario 39 years ago). So now he needs to apply for a Pardon/Waiver which will probably take 8 months to officiate.
Where I sled: Ontario of course. Where else is there?
Posts: 2,318
WOW! Simon.
Did U.S. Customs discover the record or did he tell them, thinking that it wouldn't matter because it was so long ago.
The reason I ask is that I'm surprised there would still be record of it here in Canada.
canadas database is in virginia, us customs have better access to it than we do. the whole waiver thing is just another cash grab. better take it seriously though because it will spoil your trip if you dont.
They asked him if he had a criminal record after looking him up on the data base. His answer was no. They then took him out of the line and into an office. When he protested, they quietly said "you can come with us under your own power or we will handcuff you and take you"... "your choice". He was "interviewed" for nearly three hours and his notebook was seized and luggage completely gone through. After that Canadian customs wanted to talk to him about what went down. Apparently juvenile records are kept. 39 years ago he was rounded up in a Toronto bar raid and booked for under aged drinking. He was legal in Quebec (18 years old) but not in Ontario (19 years old). The charter said that he was legally a minor when he was booked. I in fact tried to speak with the US customs guys but they were busily refusing other folks for similar reasons. One fellow had to let his family go on vacation without him. I don't think it's as bad at drive through borders but anywhere there's air travel the customs are particularly rigid.
That is truly insane. Sounds like some guards are on a power trip, enjoying new found regulations. I wonder if they chuckle among themselves at the end of the day?
Next we'll be seeing a reality TV show based on this :dazed:
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