Border crossing with residency card (aka green card)

[SpiritAlight 1]

Hello Wonder-Full VJers,

I was going to put this in The Vent thread and then decided to make it its own topic....perhaps opening the door for discussion just on this subject.

I'm curious.

How many drive/fly back and forth to Canada and get pulled into secondary?

I have been hit and miss kinda thing for a while now.

I just wonder why, after having been over-the-top scrutinized AND having paid for the privilege, we with "green" cards are still interrogated when trying to go home.

I just had my entire car searched and over an hour at the check point to come back into the U.S.

What did they see?

In my bags: a cat in the hat pencil case I keep my toiletries in, a harmonica, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, clothes, shoes, a laptop, books, and other "innocent" belongings.

No alcohol, no smokes, no drugs, no fruits or veggies, no copious amounts of cash.

They went through everything! Every compartment, every bag.

The last time I went through I had removed (and had been welcomed home emphatically ) the dream catcher hanging from the mirror and feathers from my dash (all gifts), and this time I said to myself not to be so paranoid.

It's a reasonably new blue Outback! Does this look suspicious?

Lesson learnt: be paranoid.

Just when I thought it was safe to just be me.

Comments?

Experiences?

Can I get the freedom of information act to have access to my "file" on their computers??

Anyone know?

Thanks for any info.

[Lenie7 0]

Hello Wonder-Full VJers,

I was going to put this in The Vent thread and then decided to make it its own topic....perhaps opening the door for discussion just on this subject.

I'm curious.

How many drive/fly back and forth to Canada and get pulled into secondary?

I have been hit and miss kinda thing for a while now.

I just wonder why, after having been over-the-top scrutinized AND having paid for the privilege, we with "green" cards are still interrogated when trying to go home.

I just had my entire car searched and over an hour at the check point to come back into the U.S.

What did they see?

In my bags: a cat in the hat pencil case I keep my toiletries in, a harmonica, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, clothes, shoes, a laptop, books, and other "innocent" belongings.

No alcohol, no smokes, no drugs, no fruits or veggies, no copious amounts of cash.

They went through everything! Every compartment, every bag.

The last time I went through I had removed (and had been welcomed home emphatically ) the dream catcher hanging from the mirror and feathers from my dash (all gifts), and this time I said to myself not to be so paranoid.

It's a reasonably new blue Outback! Does this look suspicious?

Lesson learnt: be paranoid.

Just when I thought it was safe to just be me.

Comments?

Experiences?

Can I get the freedom of information act to have access to my "file" on their computers??

Anyone know?

Thanks for any info.

Hah! I am a U.S. citizen with Canadian permanent residence and I have a similar experience when going into Canada. I actually spend almost half and half in the U.S. and Canada (but probably more in the U.S.) and I cannot tell you how much hassle I've had with my U.S plated car going into Canada. I am always hassled and sometimes pulled into secondary where I try to explain that I don't spend all my time in Canada. I always tell them that I don't want to import my car and that I still have a house in the U.S., but it's always a problem. It has made me a little frightened to cross the border by car.

Also, there was a period when I was always pulled into secondary screening when I flew into Canada and it was nerve wracking! I would get grilled and feel like a criminal when I was just trying to enter the country. I've never done anything wrong, and yet I felt like I was suspect for some unknown crime - very strange. It always made me so nervous and I probably looked suspicious because of that.

It's funny because I always thought America and Canada were friendly, and I personally love both countries. I guess that the immigration officials are hassling citizens of the opposite countries, regardless of whether they have permanent residence. I don't understand what the problem is. Can't we all just be friends?

Edited September 15, 2009 by Dalene

[OBX 51]

Wow, sounds a bit over the top to me. Why would you be subject to such treatment. I would be paranoid after that as well.

Luckily my experiences so far have been smooth. Maybe I have just been lucky but I have not had any issues. My POE was June 16 and I have been back and forth 3 times now. I cross at the Peace Bridge, a pretty active crossing. I have crossed in my Canadian car and license and the last trip with new US car and NJ license. I have travelled with cats, the dog, household items and gifts. I have only been briefly questioned regarding my car contents, never asked about the pets and only once asked if I had imported the car.

I would be interested in hearing other's experiences as well.

[Malrothien 6]

I'm a USC living in Canada (PR). I always drive in our BC plated car with my hubby in the passenger seat. No matter what, the US CBP grills us on how we met, etc. We never get pulled over to secondary, but we always are playing 20 questions. One time, a guy asked me, "Are you leaving anything behind?" I said, "No." He responded, "You caught my meaning, didn't you?" Well, yes, of course I got your implication that I was going to leave my husband in the US.

[trailmix 77]

The last time I went through I had removed (and had been welcomed home emphatically ) the dream catcher hanging from the mirror and feathers from my dash (all gifts), and this time I said to myself not to be so paranoid.

It's a reasonably new blue Outback! Does this look suspicious?

You have a dreamcatcher and feathers - you are a hippy and smoke pot.

Just guessing how they are looking at it (but you already know this )

Yeah, I bet you could get their info if you applied for it.

Edited September 15, 2009 by trailmix

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I always had my dream catcher and feathers hanging from my front mirror as well. I never had any real hassles crossing the border - and I used to cross a lot especially to do my re-enacting with my car stuffed full to the rafters with my camp stuff and clothing. I think the biggest 'hassle' we ever had was when we were asked going into the US if we had any guns, and we duly reported our flintlock muskets. The border guard's face lit up and he asked if he could see them because he had never seen one before. So we got out of the car, opened the gun cases and he looked, handled the musket and put it back, said thanks, and sent us on our way. The only other times I had 'trouble' was being asked to show evidence of ties to Canada. I did, and that was fine.

I'm sorry you had such trouble, Spirit. If this helps any, I did have a friend who was absolutely beautiful. She was ALWAYS pulled into secondary (and it happened when I traveled with her too), and all of the guards would come over to where her vehicle was being inspected, take a look and go back inside. She was convinced - and I would have to agree it sure seemed that way - that she was stopped because of her good looks. Maybe that is your real problem?

Edited September 15, 2009 by Kathryn41

[Road 2 Peace Arch 0]

I'm a USC living in Canada (PR). I always drive in our BC plated car with my hubby in the passenger seat. No matter what, the US CBP grills us on how we met, etc. We never get pulled over to secondary, but we always are playing 20 questions. One time, a guy asked me, "Are you leaving anything behind?" I said, "No." He responded, "You caught my meaning, didn't you?" Well, yes, of course I got your implication that I was going to leave my husband in the US.

One idea is to apply for a NEXUS card. I had mine just before I sent the I-129F package in and the amount of hassle at the border for me is minimal to zero. I do drive an SUV (older Chevy Tahoe) which draws a lot of attention because I'm alone in the truck and SUV's are a favorite vehicle for drug dealers. If they offer a NEXUS lane at your border crossing and you go back and forth a lot, it might help to get the card.

[SpiritAlight 1]

Hah! I am a U.S. citizen with Canadian permanent residence and I have a similar experience when going into Canada. I actually spend almost half and half in the U.S. and Canada (but probably more in the U.S.) and I cannot tell you how much hassle I've had with my U.S plated car going into Canada. I am always hassled and sometimes pulled into secondary where I try to explain that I don't spend all my time in Canada. I always tell them that I don't want to import my car and that I still have a house in the U.S., but it's always a problem. It has made me a little frightened to cross the border by car.

Also, there was a period when I was always pulled into secondary screening when I flew into Canada and it was nerve wracking! I would get grilled and feel like a criminal when I was just trying to enter the country. I've never done anything wrong, and yet I felt like I was suspect for some unknown crime - very strange. It always made me so nervous and I probably looked suspicious because of that.

It's funny because I always thought America and Canada were friendly, and I personally love both countries. I guess that the immigration officials are hassling citizens of the opposite countries, regardless of whether they have permanent residence. I don't understand what the problem is. Can't we all just be friends?

Yeah, it sucks doesn't it.

the feeling and hence looking guilty.

They are sure good at that.

I wonder whilst I sit there how many criminals are getting away with #######, and I'm just wanting to go home.

CBP: "What airline, where's your itinerary?"

me: "For what?"

CBP: "How are you getting to Chicago?""

me: "Uhm, I have my car here." (it has Illinois plates. I have an Illinois driver's license. She is holding it. I had come through a few months earlier with such ease and joy.)

CBP: "It's a long way/drive."

me: "Not really, a few days, I like it."

and on and on...sity and wait, a few more ridiculous questions, like what kind of car do I have, what colour is it, etc. is it mine, how long have I had it...

sigh

I used to love crossing the border....always had great exchanges with border people.

That was before immigration.

Since then it has become traumatic for the most part.

Why oh why?

It makes me feel at this point like I'm in jail in the U.S. and I'd better stay put....just to avoid the disrespectful, unwarranted, over-the-top, infringement of my rights as a citizen of one country and a resident of another.

I miss just being a guest in this country.

Life was so much easier and less intrusive/invasive....and less fearful.

Bleh.

One day I just may get completely unhinged and leave North America for good.

(yeah yeah VJers, don't say it )

[SpiritAlight 1]

Wow, sounds a bit over the top to me. Why would you be subject to such treatment. I would be paranoid after that as well.

Luckily my experiences so far have been smooth. Maybe I have just been lucky but I have not had any issues. My POE was June 16 and I have been back and forth 3 times now. I cross at the Peace Bridge, a pretty active crossing. I have crossed in my Canadian car and license and the last trip with new US car and NJ license. I have travelled with cats, the dog, household items and gifts. I have only been briefly questioned regarding my car contents, never asked about the pets and only once asked if I had imported the car.

I would be interested in hearing other's experiences as well.

That damn dream catcher.

Hahaha!

I am now suspicious that they cannot discern between spiritual and holistic people and drug addicts.

Who knows....maybe they were looking for a blue Subaru from Illinois.

Maybe it was the aloha white flower stickers on the back...hee hee.

Oh it could be me...me who does not fit into any profile.

Sigh....

[SpiritAlight 1]

The last time I went through I had removed (and had been welcomed home emphatically ) the dream catcher hanging from the mirror and feathers from my dash (all gifts), and this time I said to myself not to be so paranoid.

It's a reasonably new blue Outback! Does this look suspicious?

You have a dreamcatcher and feathers - you are a hippy and smoke pot.

Just guessing how they are looking at it (but you already know this )

Yeah, I bet you could get their info if you applied for it.

Yup.

thanks Trailmix.

I know how it looks.

And then again if people actually knew a little bit more about things they only think they know, then life would just be better for all of us.

Know what i mean, jelly bean?

Judging books by their cover has never worked for anyone/thing. So why would border crossing guards think that they could use this tactic?

No need to answer.

Some people need to justify their existence.

I am "too clean" and "too innocent" and they must have been surprised.

The car and I checked out and do you think they put a gold star next to my name?

Bah.

Bahahaha!

Oh I kill me sometimes.

[Marilyn. 340]

my hubby was questioned almost every time he flew into Vancouver... I guess he looked suspicious or something

one time they even sent him to secondary (not sure if that is the right name for it) and the lady looked at him and asked why he was there and he said they sent him over here and the lady just sent him on his way ...

[SpiritAlight 1]

I always had my dream catcher and feathers hanging from my front mirror as well. I never had any real hassles crossing the border - and I used to cross a lot especially to do my re-enacting with my car stuffed full to the rafters with my camp stuff and clothing. I think the biggest 'hassle' we ever had was when we were asked going into the US if we had any guns, and we duly reported our flintlock muskets. The border guard's face lit up and he asked if he could see them because he had never seen one before. So we got out of the car, opened the gun cases and he looked, handled the musket and put it back, said thanks, and sent us on our way. The only other times I had 'trouble' was being asked to show evidence of ties to Canada. I did, and that was fine.

I'm sorry you had such trouble, Spirit. If this helps any, I did have a friend who was absolutely beautiful. She was ALWAYS pulled into secondary (and it happened when I traveled with her too), and all of the guards would come over to where her vehicle was being inspected, take a look and go back inside. She was convinced - and I would have to agree it sure seemed that way - that she was stopped because of her good looks. Maybe that is your real problem?

Now this response was delightful.

Thanks Kathryn!

Yes, guys seem to like me, and maybe they wanted to look at my lingerie??

Too bad there wasn't much to look at...mostly yoga clothes, and some were still sweaty.

Hee, hee.

And then I got this woman that was not in a good mood, unlike the young and very handsome man beside her who had the best attitude I have ever seen in secondary. I loveg him. Why did I not get him? Ah timing.

In the end iit is all about timing and discernment....who takes a look at you and their biases.

We are dealing with fallible human beings after all.

Me taking it personally will just keep the poison inside me and that is totally the wrong thing to do.

I am already kinda laughing at it.

Thank to all of you for allowing this vent and for sharing your thoughts.

Oh yeah and Trailmix, you think i could just call them and ask?

More red flags will go up for sure.

sigh

I'm a USC living in Canada (PR). I always drive in our BC plated car with my hubby in the passenger seat. No matter what, the US CBP grills us on how we met, etc. We never get pulled over to secondary, but we always are playing 20 questions. One time, a guy asked me, "Are you leaving anything behind?" I said, "No." He responded, "You caught my meaning, didn't you?" Well, yes, of course I got your implication that I was going to leave my husband in the US.

One idea is to apply for a NEXUS card. I had mine just before I sent the I-129F package in and the amount of hassle at the border for me is minimal to zero. I do drive an SUV (older Chevy Tahoe) which draws a lot of attention because I'm alone in the truck and SUV's are a favorite vehicle for drug dealers. If they offer a NEXUS lane at your border crossing and you go back and forth a lot, it might help to get the card.

I am not sure I can get one.

Past indiscretions and all.

Ah the days of youth and recklessness.

[SpiritAlight 1]

my hubby was questioned almost every time he flew into Vancouver... I guess he looked suspicious or something

one time they even sent him to secondary (not sure if that is the right name for it) and the lady looked at him and asked why he was there and he said they sent him over here and the lady just sent him on his way ...

Too much power and yielded unfairly.

(is that the right word?)

I kind of like the older agents, usually they are far more relaxed and know what to look for.

Sorry to hear about your sweetie's past experience Marilyn.

[Carlawarla 1]

I've never had any problems crossing. Reading your story, and a few others that have posted recently is getting me paranoid! I'm crossing on the 24th of September for a short vacation in Ontario. Wish me luck.

I agree with an earlier poster saying that since they got a NEXUS card, they breeze through. A few Canadians that travel frequently have done this. Might be something to look into. I know that you even use another lane, and from what someone posted, you have to have an interview and everything, so maybe the Border officials look at a NEXUS card as something more "official" as if they "know" everything is okay with frequent crossings.

Nice to see you posting again Spirit, we haven't seen you in awhile.

[Malrothien 6]

Nexus requires a very lengthy background check.

We should've gotten one years ago, but since we're likely moving in 3-4 months, it's just not worth it at this point.