Denied Entry and Need Guidance

[canuckgirl1968 0]

I will make my story short - I was denied entry to the US via the Queenston - Lewiston Bridge in April 2005. I was told at the bridge I was denied entry for medical reasons ( I accidently ) gave US customs my OHIP ( Health Card ) instead of my driver's license. Back in 2001 I had a very tough year when I found out my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died in the same year. I was on psych medication for 6 months and US customs stated that my OHIP summary did not state that I was off medication and wanted to have medical clearance of same. They asked for a note from my family doctor on the spot stating that I was no longer taking medication which at that time I have not been taking for over 3 years at that time. They had no issue with my employment or that I was permanent resident of Canada. (( NOW )) here is my other issue: I had a criminal record which was noted upon entry and yes I had been to the US numerous times in the past. I was provided with medical papers that had to be completed by Seiden however I never had these complete as I was wary on completing them because I figured they would turn around and deny myself entry for the criminal charges. One charge was back in 1987 and the other was from 2001. I have already completed and received my pardon well over 3 years ago now. When I had my pardon completed I asked the place completing this information do I also need to obtain a waiver for entry into the US and no one had ever heard of being denied entry for medical reasons. I am at a lost. Do I still need to complete the medical or should I be heading straight for a waiver. PS - I have been employed with the same employer for over 15 years and have good strong ties to living in Canada. (( HELP )) with any advise.

[canadian_wife 1,826]

I was denied entry twice so I know how much it really stinks. I'm sorry that you went through this

However, I'm not sure why you were denied? Are they afraid you'll be a public charge?

Also, what were your convictions? I know you were pardoned but that means little. It is a pardon in Canada, it may still come back and bite you when trying to cross into the US.

Did they stamp anything into your passport? Have you filed for a K-1 or an immigrant visa?

A little more information on your case would be helpful

Good luck

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I was denied entry twice so I know how much it really stinks. I'm sorry that you went through this

However, I'm not sure why you were denied? Are they afraid you'll be a public charge?

Also, what were your convictions? I know you were pardoned but that means little. It is a pardon in Canada, it may still come back and bite you when trying to cross into the US.

Did they stamp anything into your passport? Have you filed for a K-1 or an immigrant visa?

A little more information on your case would be helpful

Good luck

She was denied because they found out she had previously taken psyche medications. Having a psychiatric or psychological disorder may make someone inadmissible for health reasons. Someone who is inadmissible cannot enter the US without a waiver of the inadmissibility. This applies to immigrant and non-immigrant entries alike.

They had evidence (her OHIP card) that she might be inadmissible for health reasons. They wanted proof that she was not.

I agree 100% about the convictions. An alien is inadmissible on criminal grounds if they were convicted of or admit to having committed a crime described in INA 212(a)(2). Whether they were subsequently pardoned or had their record expunged is irrelevant.

Edit: Changed to reflect the fact that the OP is a girl.

Edited December 2, 2010 by JimVaPhuong

[canuckgirl1968 0]

I was advised that I maybe a psych risk. The other odd thing about the day is I was travelling with another person whom also had a criminal record and they were allowed to enter US. No passport was signed since they used ID at the time of the incident and no details were acknowledge in Canada either. I was given this HUGE package of papers for Canadian Customs and was told I would have issues with them. They took the stack of papers and put them in the recycle bin and told me I was about the 100th person declinded entry on the day.

I am only interested in US travel since most cruises in the Carribean leave from an US port and now I don't seem to be able to take any.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I was advised that I maybe a psych risk. The other odd thing about the day is I was travelling with another person whom also had a criminal record and they were allowed to enter US. No passport was signed since they used ID at the time of the incident and no details were acknowledge in Canada either. I was given this HUGE package of papers for Canadian Customs and was told I would have issues with them. They took the stack of papers and put them in the recycle bin and told me I was about the 100th person declinded entry on the day.

I am only interested in US travel since most cruises in the Carribean leave from an US port and now I don't seem to be able to take any.

You could try filing an I-192 with CBP. If it's approved then you'll be able to enter the US to transit to a port for your cruise.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=68db2c1a6855d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD