3 Reasons You May Not Be Able to Cross the Border

There is nothing worse than being turned away at the border. You've spent half the day travelling only to be turned away partway through your trip! Not only can this be embarrassing, but it can also be confusing. Why have you been turned away? What should you do next? And what about your future travel plans?
To avoid experiencing this situation, you'll need to determine whether or not you are eligible to cross the United States-Canadian border. If you are, then great! Your travel plans should go off without a hitch. If you're not, then you will need to start looking into your options. Here are 3 reasons you may not be able to cross the border:
1) A Criminal Record
There are many reasons that you may be unable to cross the border into the United States. The most common reason, though, is having a criminal record. Simply having a criminal record in either Canada or the United States is enough to bar you access from the country. If you have been found guilty of a moral turpitude offence (which is a crime that goes against justice or strong morals), you may be turned away at the border. However, anything on your record may be enough of a reason. It all depends on the decision made by the US Immigration. Since the terrorist attacks in 2001, border security has been much stricter. That means even if you were able to cross the border in the past, you may be unable to do so now.
2) Offences Related to Drugs or Prostitution
The border patrol takes national security very seriously. So, if you have been found guilty of crimes related to drugs or prostitution, you may also be turned away at the United States-Canadian border. Drug offences may relate to either possession or trafficking charges.... and either may be enough for you to be ineligible to cross the border. The same goes for any links to prostitution. To travel with ease, it is essential that your record is squeaky clean.
3) Overstaying or Deportation
Another common reason for being unable to cross the border? Overstaying a work or travel visa - or a history of deportation. Let's start with deportation. If you have been deported from the United States in the past, all of that information is kept on file. If you try to return, the border patrol will be alerted. Why? You may be considered at risk for trying to sneak back into the country. The same can be said for overstaying. If you have overstayed in the United States with either a work or travel visa, you will be ineligible to return. This is true even if you overstay by accident (Canadian citizens can only spend up to six months, or 182 days, in the United States within a period of 12 months).
Before you give up completely, there is hope. Look into getting a US Waiver! This document gives Canadian citizens a second chance. It allows those with a criminal record to visit the United States, despite their past. To cross the border and re-gain your freedom, get a US Waiver! Find a professional in your area to make the application process simpler. When you can cross the border legally, you'll be glad you did.
Julie Cammisa understands why you may not be able to cross the border. As the owner of US Waiver & Pardon Canada, she has helped clients with her professional experience and extensive knowledge of US Waivers and Canadian Pardons.