Border Crossing

[dfitz 1]

Hi!

So, I have been in this silly process for 15 months now (a long story short we couldn't get a bunch of stuff we needed in a timely manner....anyways)

I (as a Canadian) had been crossing the border regularly to see my husband and visit him in Seattle. I had been going down by bus and sometimes they would heckle me longer than others and other times it was a breeze to cross over.

On my last time I crossed, the border guard told me that it was illegal for me to be entering while in process of immigrating. I always bring lots of proof of returning (paystubs, letters from my bosses, lease agreements, etc), and I had read on VJ that it was NOT illegal for me to enter.

The border guard told me that if I tried to cross again I would be denied entry and that could result in a 5 year ban. He said "I will let you in only because it is Thanksgiving and I have already denied two other people today so I will let you in this once", and allowed me to go through.

Now I haven't tried to cross over since November '12, therefore my husband is coming to visit me and stuff. This has resulted in us being able to visit less often because his work scheudle is much less flexible than mine...

My question is, do you think I can try and cross again? I would really like to be able to go to his cousins wedding on September 28 if I can. I can bring lots of proof of returning to work, lease agreements, phone bills and agreements, credit card statements, etc....

I just really am unclear as to what I should do and if I should try to cross or not....

ThankS VJ

[dwheels76 5,468]

You are not doing anything illegal. He was either real uneducated in his own job and laws or just a meany.

Sure they can deny you but it would have no barring on your petition or result in a ban. You can go and get over the border. Just hopefully he didn't make a note to watch out for you or he is off that day. Good luck.

[bob72601 13]

I really would not advise it. I know it is hard. My finance was visiting the US too often and was refused entry and they cancelled his B1/B2 Tourist Visa in Miami. We are now in the K-1 process and I hope this does not cause us a problem. Please be on the safe side as you don't want to get a 5 or 10 year ban.

[lost_at_sea 995]

If it was really illegal, then why did he let you in? Surely knowingly letting someone in who is doing something illegal would cost him his job. I don't know why he was trying to scare you like that. Bad day at the office?

You're always legally able to visit the US, so long as you are doing so with the intent to come back to Canada again at the end of the trip. They don't have to believe you, of course - they can always turn you around at the border. They can flag you for closer inspection.

[NikLR 13,227]

***moved to working and travelling during immigration from IR1/CR1 process and procedures***

I had a CBP officer once tell me it was illegal, but honestly, every time I've gone, I've been let in. Since it's been so long, you could try again for sure. Is there a different POE you can go through than the one that particular officer works at?

[dfitz 1]

***moved to working and travelling during immigration from IR1/CR1 process and procedures***

I had a CBP officer once tell me it was illegal, but honestly, every time I've gone, I've been let in. Since it's been so long, you could try again for sure. Is there a different POE you can go through than the one that particular officer works at?

Yeah I think I am gonna try and either drive or take the train down because then I can cross customs in Vancouver...

Thanks all you lovely people. You always make everything make sense

[TBoneTX 45,498]

A good response to a bullying CBP agent is "Please call your Passenger Services Representative over here immediately." When you know beyond doubt that an agent is wrong, or you're being mistreated without cause, say (politely), "Sir, it seems that we need your Port Director out here with a blank complaint form. Nobody wants that, so may we please start over?"