TO US CITIZENS

[DA BOMB 1]

Here's an interesting story I read today - First Canada...next will be other countries!

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file...MNGCAO9NSB1.DTL

[~Chad~ 0]

WOW! very interesting post! Thnx for sharing!

[mercy 1]

Hey, it sucks, but that's the way it is, definitely well within Canada's rights to decide who they will let in and who they won't. DUI's are considered a serious offence in Canada, not a "minor criminal record" as the article calls them. My husband was denied entry for a past DUI and is inadmissible until 2009. He crossed back and forth for the first two years for our relationship before he was turned away one night. We applied for a "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation" but it was denied. We'll try again after the 5 years (from his conviction) are up. I was really upset about it at first, and it's obviously a real pain in the azz, but at the same time I do see the reasoning behind it. It's a privilege to enter a foreign country, not a right.

Edited February 23, 2007 by mercy

[Ron/Sharon 0]

Canadian border guards send Americans home because of past very distance past on the books and no longer on the books offences, well Jesssssssus what will the American border guards do now that thier fellow Americans are treated like that maybe return the favour and send all the Canadian criminals back me included because of a driving offense that took place 34 years ago, Well I guess I had better advise the consulate we're withdrawing our petition and Sharon will have to move here and buy more than a sweather for the cold winter days up here.

All I can say is for the Canadians here who have been charged in the past with anything you had better apply for your pardon at the same time as your Criminal background check. I'm getting mine done.

Hvae yourselves a very good weeked.

[DA BOMB 1]

Hey, it sucks, but that's the way it is, definitely well within Canada's rights to decide who they will let in and who they won't. DUI's are considered a serious offence in Canada, not a "minor criminal record" as the article calls them. My husband was denied entry for a past DUI and is inadmissible until 2009. He crossed back and forth for the first two years for our relationship before he was turned away one night. We applied for a "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation" but it was denied. We'll try again after the 5 years (from his conviction) are up. I was really upset about it at first, and it's obviously a real pain in the azz, but at the same time I do see the reasoning behind it. It's a privilege to enter a foreign country, not a right.

Actually the article does say that Canada considers it a serious offense which is why I was so interested - Cause I have one from 6 years ago! I never go into Canada but the fact that this might be a trend should be of concern to a lot of people.

[together2love 0]

It has not been unusual to hear about Canadian visitors being denied entry in to the US because of the exact same reasons. Same type of thing, a couple just going on a quick holiday and then getting stopped and turned around at the border/customs because of an relitively minor offence that they did 20 odd years ago and the American officials turn them away without warning. I have heard it happen at least a couple times, personally. So, it isn't just Canadian officials doing this, but also America officials.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

DUI offenses are considered criminal felony offenses in Canada whether they are committed in Canada or committed by foreign citizens outside of Canada. As such they are grounds for inadmissibility unless rehabilitation has been proven. The US also makes individuals convicted of felony charges inadmissible to the US. There is no difference there - just that the US does not consider driving while impaired criminal. Canada does.

[Cassie 8]

Between this thread and the other one on this topic, I frankly am surprised at how many people think Canada is the first one to do this sort of thing -- a friend of mine nearly had to get on the next plane back from Japan on a recent trip due to something from his past. It's not a new thing!

[ceriserose 1]

Well, since the tightened border security measures going both directions across the 49th parallel are due in great part to the US response to 9/11 and Homeland Security's specific request of their neighbors to review/tighten theirs as well, is this really any surprise?

And not really all that out of the norm, as has been said.

[misa 2]

DUI offenses are considered criminal felony offenses in Canada whether they are committed in Canada or committed by foreign citizens outside of Canada. As such they are grounds for inadmissibility unless rehabilitation has been proven. The US also makes individuals convicted of felony charges inadmissible to the US. There is no difference there - just that the US does not consider driving while impaired criminal. Canada does.

Exactly. Just wanted to quote that for emphasis!

[mercy 1]

DUI offenses are considered criminal felony offenses in Canada whether they are committed in Canada or committed by foreign citizens outside of Canada. As such they are grounds for inadmissibility unless rehabilitation has been proven. The US also makes individuals convicted of felony charges inadmissible to the US. There is no difference there - just that the US does not consider driving while impaired criminal. Canada does.

Exactly. Just wanted to quote that for emphasis!

Yup, gonna have to agree with this also! It's really not much different than what we're all doing here anyway, basically asking for permission to enter the US. Every country gets to decide who they let in and why (or why not).

A note about proving rehabilitation. It's not always that easy, especially if the offence is recent. They denied us, because apparently going through rehab + 2 years (at the time, more now obviously) of sobriety = not rehabilitated enough. Basically they told us we'd have to wait until 5 years from the conviction. Unless of course you're a celebrity. When we were going through all of this both Martha Stewart and 50 cent were given "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation" automatically.

[mawilson 2,133]

Here's a solution for people with criminal records - change your name and the Canucks won't find jack on you.

[Ban Hammer 14,294]

Here's a solution for people with criminal records - change your name and the Canucks won't find jack on you.

yeah, i suggest something innocent sounding like mark wilson

[mawilson 2,133]

Here's a solution for people with criminal records - change your name and the Canucks won't find jack on you.

yeah, i suggest something innocent sounding like mark wilson

No, don't use any common names - chances are there's a mark wilson with a criminal record somewhere.

[Caladan 19]

What's interesting here is just how seriously Canada takes drunk driving, which my dad remembers as something you were rarely even charged for; officer would take you back to the station and let you sober up before letting you get on your way.

But as others have said, there's certainly no right for an American to go anywhere. They are other countries. Next you know they'll be saying Americans aren't Canadian citizens, too.