Border crossing

[LandRStepp 0]

I want to tell my story here and I hope no one has been through this. My fiance and I have been on visa journey and we were going to get married but after some problems with family among other things we decided to wait. I made arrangements to go and spend some time where he is and get to know a female friend and spend some time with him for about a month and if I changed my mind I knew I had 6 months legally as long as I could support my son and I while being in the US. So I set it up so I had a place to stay and sent money to visit there for a month and I would go from there.

My son and I set out on our journey and after all we had been through over the past 9 months (very hard times) we were excited for the trip and the time away and I was going to help my friend because she hasn't been well. For some reason greyhound decided to sell us a ticket that meant we travel across Canada and cross the border at NY city. This didn't make sence to me because we lived right beside the Washington border which I had been traveling through since I was a child, but it was the cheapest way to travel so I bought the tickets. We went on our 3 day journey with very little sleep but excited just the same until we got to the border. The officials sent our bus on and made my son and I sit there until we were the last people for them to deal with. I had return tickets for October 12th my passport and (children under 15 don't require a passport for land travel) my son's birthcirtificate and my custody papers which I had already given to him and we had our luggage. Then I was called up. I have always just had to produce ID at the border or my passport. I have no criminal record and have done nothing wrong in Canada or the US. I'm a single mom, student and have some disabilities that are not visible. The border guard then threw my tickets at me and said where is the return date on here. I looked and he was right there weren't any. When I bought the return tickets they had to be hand written because the computer wouldn't allow them to be printed. I had told the person who sold me the tickets that I'd be returning on October 12th but for some reason he didn't put that on them. Even so the tickets were paid for and very valid because then they were considered an open ended ticket allowing me the option of staying longer or a shorter period of time.

Next thing I knew I was being interigated and they asked what proof I had that I was going to return to Canada. I told him for one thing I have two children and my other son is there in high school and I told him I am a student at a Canadian university and so on. I gave him phone numbers to verify where I live in Canada and where I was going to be staying in the US that wasn't good enough and he refused to call. I was of course denied entrance into the US and was finger printed and had my picture taken. I started to cry and say why are you treating me like a criminal and the female guard said I shouldn't be upset because my son would get the wrong impression about them and what was going on I said I have no idea what is going on and I'm exhasted.

So they ordered me a cab and sent us back to Canada. I asked the guard if I could still cross the border and he said yes but I had to have all the documents listed on this paper and if I didn't have them I could be refused again. Well now that they had red flagged me I had no idea what I was in for. I was taken to a motel and dropped off after paying 35 dollars for the cab. I then went to greyhound in Niagra falls ontario where I have never been before and thousands of miles from my home and had my tickets repaired and I looked through all my stuff and I had sufficient paper work to provide them proof. The bus ticket sales fellow told me my tickets were still valid and so I should try again because this bus would be going through buffalo and I said ok. So away we went only to be treated even worse at the next border. The guard sent our bus on and interigated me, I told him what I was doing and asked me what had changed and I said I have the information you require and he laughed at me he had already seen them at this point. The female guard beside him said are you taking her upstairs he said yup and next thing I new I was told to follow him with my son. Just before that he told me that him and his supervisor didn't believe my story and that I had a choice to either tell the truth and only be told to stay out of the US for a short time or stick to my story and be banned for life and he said I could think about it. So after we moved he called me up and asked me what I had decided. I told him basically you want me to lie to you so I won't get such a harsh punishment or stick to my story and you will bann me? I then said I refuse to lie to you and I am sticking to my story and if you choose to follow through with you threats I will be getting a lawyer, talking to my Canadian government and seeking help he said fine was angry then sent me over to sit down. Next thing I new I was being finger printed again and my picture was being taken. I was given everything back except my passport they called me a taxi and when we got outside he handed my passport to the taxi driver for us to go through the canadian border and said to me take my advice next time you try and cross into the US make sure you have all your paperwork that is required and don't try and cross again without it. I was basically left in the dark with no real reason as to why they treated me like this but because there is a red flag on me in their system I will now be hassled every time I try to cross the border and will be lucky to get across. I had provided them with proof of my courses I had paid for, over $4500 in my bank account to live on and money that would be coming in monthly as well. I also provided them with the phone numbers to where I live in BC and where I was going. I went through the list and had everything they required except my income tax papers for 2 years and a rent receipt but the phone number instead to the person who was renting to me. He also refused to call the numbers.

I am devastated, when I crossed our Canadian border the guards were very upset by what happened both times. So I sit here not knowing what to do. I've called our international trade and canadian diplomatic counselors service and they said they couldn't help me because I was safe in Canada. I then called the head at the US customs and Border - Mr. Garara and he didn't like how I was treated but would do nothing about it but told me the process I could go through to report them for what they had done to my son and I which basically is a bunch of stupid red tape. He asked me why I didn't ask to speak to their supervisor and I said I was afraid they were already threatening to bann me for life.

So I thought I would tell you all what happened and I hope this hasn't happened to many people but I am very angry and I plan to find a lawyer and I may go to the media. This is unacceptable treatement but they have the power to do what they want to people with no real reprocussions for their actions. We have treaties with the US and we are their neighbours yes I understand we don't have the right to just go there and live the rest of our lives and we have to follow rules and processes but I didn't deserve to be treated that way because I didn't do anything wrong. My son and are now stranded in Fort Erie Ontario in a motel where we can see the border with no way home because my tickets are non refundable and are only to be used on Oct 12th. I not only cannot get home but I am paying a fortune for a motel room and running out of money. My name is mud for no reason and I can't get across the border unless I have all the documents they require but even if I do I am most likely going to be refused anyway especially if the border guard is having a bad day. I have no idea what to do we are alone here and I am very angry hopefully a lawyer will be able to give me some advice.

[Dan and Ali 3]

Wow, I am SO sorry to hear that happened to you! I wish I had more to say but I don't -- I can't imagine how it would have felt to be treated that way. I'm very sorry you had to go through that terrible ordeal and hopefully you can get some answers on why exactly you were treated that way.

[Ontarkie 14,226]

Sorry that is happening to you, I went through something very similar. They figure printed me took my picture, tried telling me i need 1k in cash to get into the US and when I said that I had money just not in cash I was ignored. They I gave them everything they wanted but was told that they have had mothers cross the border with their kids and not return. I told them my kids were at my mothers so they wouldn't be with me and I would have to get back cause they would drive my mother nuts if I stayed any longer then week. It didnt matter they went through all my stuff took some things, then sent me back on to the Canadian side.

I did get through the 2nd time np at all, the 3rd time we where headed to Toronto and it looked like they were going to turn us back( its a shorter drive through the US to Toronto), and on the return trip we got a bit of attitude. The last time we were driving across the border and the guy at the booth made us go in, I had all my papers the kids were at my moms again, the lady who processed us was great, the guy from the booth tried his best to stop her from letting me through. I think the K1 papers is what saved me that time.

I really do feel terrible for you 2. There should be a way for you to change your return date on the greyhound tickets I was able to, but they may charge you a fee for doing it I got lucky and never got any additional fees.

Good luck, if you want to try again, it may be worth waiting till your close to home and after you get your rent receipt, and gets a phone bill, pay stubs, cable bill, you mentioned a disability bring that stub too if you get it, bring way more then you think you will need.

Danielle

[trailmix 77]

Wow that's terrible, so sorry they put you through that. I hope the lawyer will be able to give you some solid advice. Good luck and keep us updated.

[Spoom 8]

I've been there, ridiculous "inadmissible as a visitor for pleasure" checklist and all.

Border guards have the most power of practically any law enforcement officer, as well as the ability to search for any or no reason. They can let you through due to a hunch, or ban you for life due to that same hunch.

You can get in the country again but only if you have EVERYTHING they request in EXACTLY the format they request it, including everything they've said to you that's not on paper (because lord knows you have a lot of text on you in their database now, believe me). If I remember the checklist correctly, you need:

• Lease (full, they might not believe you if it doesn't have original signatures; I was living with my parents and so got an affidavit which they pretty much laughed at, but did let me through as I had everything else)
• Bills (as many as you can find)
• Cash money ($250 per week you intend to stay)
• Letter from your employer (God help you if you're unemployed, or worse, self-employed, as I am)
• Full bank statement for the previous year, preferably signed by a bank officer on official stationary (contact your bank, they can probably do it for a minimal charge)
• Student and class registration (again, signed by a university officer if possible)

Am I forgetting anything here? You want to prove you'll return to Canada. If you have everything they ask, you should get through. Flood them with documentation, anything you can think is even remotely relevant and in your favour. You'll likely be issued an I-94 if you do get through; make sure USCBP gets it back when you leave, otherwise they won't believe that you left in time the next time you try to enter and you'll be banned.

However, if you have everything, and they still want to reject you, ask for a supervisor. You have that right (it's on the posters at all land border crossing secondary areas, I believe), and they shouldn't be able to ban you simply because you asked (though they probably can).

Good luck; I remember the hellishness that was my rejection in 2005 (which is why I always tell people to avoid the Detroit tunnel if you have a choice).

Edited September 15, 2009 by Spoom

[SpiritAlight 1]

Oh these stories/experiences sure make my blood boil.

So sorry to hear about them all.

I hope you find the right lawyer to help you.

It may be a U.S. lawyer you need.

I don't know.

I got turned around a few times back in January 2007 due to false accusations and they do not care to listen to your truth.

They make up something.

They type it up.

They want you to agree to their fake story.

They get angry when you try to repeat your truth.

What recourse is there?

The only thing I have done to take back a tiny bit of my power is to ask them a question on my way out (whether through or turned back)...something that I need to say to make a statement. As if that changes anything...it makes me feel a bit better about myself. That is always good.

I was armed with all kinds of evidence that would debunk their made up accusations, and they did not want to check into it.

It truly felt like I was dealing with tweedle dee and tweedle dum as a friend noted that had been with me the very last time that happened in March 2007.

I had gone with someone to witness that I was simply wanting to ask what my status was as a potential guest into the U.S. at that time.

Got no answers, got turned around, got threatened with jail (again).

Idle threats they are/were, because I was not guilty of a single accusation.

Man but what do you think is on their computer?

All those false accusations I certain.

And the only reason they give up and let me in is because of my residency status now.

sigh

One day these damned borders will be dissolved I know it.

This planet is too small and too much in trouble for us to continue like we all live separately.

Forgive my digression here...hee, hee.

I just feel it coming.

[Carlawarla 1]

What an incredible and heart wrenching story! I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this. Your son must be traumatized as well. I've never been questioned or denied entrance to the U.S. during my four years of crossing to meet my fiance, but I've heard of people that have been. It sounds like you had this well planned, and the border officials you encountered have been very condescending and rude. I too think that you have to advocate to Greyhound to have your return ticket date changed so you can get the heck out of Fort Erie. Once back in BC, you're going to have to get a lawyer, pony up all your documents and if your lawyer advises, try to cross again. I would not try and get across via Ontario. Go through B.C./Washington, even if it costs more money.

I have no advise, but thank you for sharing your story, and hope that you get some kind of resolution soon. All the best.

[Krikit 1,164]

Ohmygosh, what a heartwrending story. I feel so so horrible for you, LandR. I am so so sorry you were treated that way. (F)

[BermyCat 1]

It seems that you hear more and more stories of Canadian visitors being harassed at the border these days. Why would any Canadian bother visiting if you're going to be treated like a criminal for the privilede of spending foreign money in the US.

~ Catherine

[Kimbear 53]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. That's very close to how i was treated last December on my birthday, and i too tried to cross a 2nd time in the same week. Thus why i have not tried again since.

It really is scary being interrogated and fingerprinted photographed with no warning or anything. I actually thought i was being arrested and my Usc fiance who was with me both times was crying and freaking out as well as i was.

they went though all my stuff, even found an old note with a name / phone number and interrogated me about that..asking who it was why i had it etc.

it seems an awful lot of us Canadians are going through this more and more lately. seems every couple weeks there is a new refusal story

the fact they treated you like this with your child next to you is just horrible and uncalled for. I would definately make all the complaints you can.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

They way they treated you is appalling. Unfortunately, border officials are a rule onto themselves - they are answerable to no one. I am concerned about your current situation though-you are basically stranded in Fort Erie, living in a motel with no way to get back home. I think it may be time to contact the media and see if a story about your circumstances can at least get Grayhound to re-negotiate your tickets so you can use the return fare now to get back home before October 12.

Good luck to you. I used to know people who lived in Fort Erie area but not any longer otherwise I would give you a contact number. Perhaps there is someone here on VJ who does know someone in Fort Erie area who may be able to help with temporary accommodation and such?

[trailmix 77]

Hope this is all working out for you today!

[Spoom 8]

Greyhound will usually take a ticket before its date. Just try to use it; worst that'll happen is you'll have to pay a 20% change fee.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I'm really sorry you had to go through that, how horrible. I wish you the best of luck in your fight!

[LandRStepp 0]

Well I have to say it is so wonderful to have so much support thats why as soon as I got situated with my computer I contacted VJ right away. What I'm afraid of now is that I won't be able to be with my American boyfriend. My son is traumatized my friend who was expecting us is worried, people in BC are panicking, my boyfriend is upset and I am a mess. If I go all the way back to BC I have to start over in order to get to the US which means another 4 day trip after 3 days traveling home but here where I am I'm only 13 hrs from my destination in the US. This is all very expensive and even if we don't go there to visit how is this going to affect us if we decide to get married and apply for a visa? I was told today I can only deal with an American lawyer and was advised who to talk to but I'm afraid of the cost. To be honest I am lost for answers my son and I are in a motel room that cost $385 for the week if we go anywhere we have to go by taxi we don't know our way around or people in Ontario. I will tell you this the NY border at Niagara Falls is the worst border and the Buffalo one at Frt Erie is just as bad please if you are going to cross make sure you have everything with you. Everywhere you look the requirements for us Canadians to cross at the American border is only a valid passport or what represents a passport for traveling by sea and air even for children but traveling by land all adults require a valid passport but children 15 and under are only required to have a birthcirtificate and custody papers or a letter from the father. The average Canadian traveling across the US border doesn't know they need the following papers because it isn't included in the requirements that are advertised so they not only have that as a sneak attack but also as a way of misusing their authority. Here are the requirements:

Evidence of employment - receent pay stubs, employee ID, letter from employer

Proof of Foreign Residence - recent rent receipts, copy of mortgage, utitlity bills

Evidence of Financial support - bank statements, savings and checking account statements, income tax report forms etc.

Evidence of Financial Assistance - receipts or government correspondence of unemployment insureance, mother's assistance, welfare, disability

Evidence of Educational Ties - Valid school identification, letter from school officials on school letterhead

Utility bills

Income tax return forms - current and past year

Confirmed return date - airline tickets, train or bus that are date specific

Sufficient funds for intended trip - cash or traveler's cheques

Contact name of family member, friend or individual who you, the passengers, is/are travelling to see in the US

Address and/or telephone number where you can be reached in the US

I provided most of this but not all of it I was missing the rent receipts so I provided a contact number to verify where I was living when I returned from the US. I also provided them with change of address receipts. The other thing I did not have was my income tax returns for the past 2 years but I did have my child tax form which showed my income for the previous year and finally I didn't have a job because I was honest with them and explained I had to leave my job because I am a student they wouldn't let me finish saying that my doctor wanted me to quit due to my disabilities and I had my medical report with me and finally I did have recent pay stubs with me but they wouldn't accept them. As a student I have an income which was student loans and bursaries which I profided proof of and my tuition receipts, I provided them with a print out of my bank account and the funds available which was more than enough to live on for a month. These border guards have the authority and power to ban us for no or any reason and will do so if they want to. Right now I am stuck and don't know what to do or where to turn and my boyfriend is helpless to help me because if he crosses the border to pick me up he could end up facing problems as well and we don't need both of us with a red flag on our names. Being red flagged means anytime they type in your name the info comes up about you and that your finger prints have been taken and picture. I just pray I can have my name cleared but at this point I do not see how that is possible. I live with the fear of them putting me in jail as well. I love my boyfriend with all my heart and he loves me and we are being kept apart by power hungry border guards who have nothing better to do than to ruin peoples lives and its wrong. Yes 9/11 was horrible but us Canadians do not deserve to be punished for it. . . . . LandR