Pardons Canada – US Customs Are Getting Even More Strict About Crossing US Border with a Criminal Record

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It seems like the US Department of Homeland Security is getting even more strict at the US border than ever before.

We are receiving hundreds of calls and emails from people being questioned at the US border if they have ever been charged with a criminal offence.

The question is tricky because if you have been fingerprinted for a charge (for example domestic assault), then the Americans will see the charge even if it has been withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, absolute or conditional discharged.

Of course, if you have a criminal record, even if its really old, then the Americans can see that too.

If the customs officer turns you away at the border then you will require an I-194 or I-192 US Entry Waiver to re-enter the US.  The application process is lengthy, complicated and costly.

If you have never been turned away at the US border, its a good idea to call or email us immediately so that we can help you remove the charges (even if they have been stayed, withdrawn, dismissed, absolute or conditional discharged) before you cross the US border.  Your criminal record can be removed with a Canada Pardon or File Destruction depending on the offence and how long you have been out of trouble.

Here is an example of an email we recently received from a distressed traveler:

“I am just sitting waiting for my flight after a lengthy discussion with Customs. I am a Canadian citizen and travel a great deal as I am a professional poker player.”

“This trip I was at US customs they asked the usual routine questions & a new one do you have a criminal record?”

To which I answered no and this began a rescreening and quite the debauchle. I was charged with an assault many moons ago as I was a bouncer and the charge was dropped yet still showing up!?! “

“Wondering about steps to rectify this oversight thank you.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – Severe Consequences of Having a DUI or Impaired Driving Conviction

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We receive many calls from people who have been charged with Impaired Driving, DUI, or Dangerous Driving.  They are seeking to obtain a Pardon for their criminal record so they can put their past mistake behind them.

For those who have been charged, their lives can quickly become a nightmare.

Here is an example of a person who recently reached out to us requesting our help in obtaining a Pardon for a DUI:

“I was convicted of DUI shortly after turning 18. I was represented by a public defender and was convicted,fined and given a one year suspension. At that age I had no ideas how this charge would continue to haunt me into my formative years. “

“I realize that I made a mistake however since getting my license reinstated I have ran into many challenges. I cannot drive a car that I am financing as I cannot afford the $900 a month insurance. So I am left locked in a financing contract all while paying for a vehicle that I can\’t drive. This has compounded my ability to get to various job sites as well as even searching for jobs. “

“One month ago I was hired as a driver for a new employer. After working there for less then two weeks I was given a raise from $18 to $20 an hour. This was incredible news as  I support my girlfriend and her 18 month old child. “

“Today I was told by my employer that I cannot be insured by his company putting my employment and my families welfare in jeopardy. I have done nothing wrong since the time of my youthful transgression. I just want to be able to move on with my life and continue as a productive member of society. However I am finding it increasingly difficult as I am continually haunted by this charge.”

“While I fully understand the severity of my actions and in know way believe that I was justified in those actions I do believe that after three years and having payed extensive fines that I have paid my debt to society in full and having done so should be given a chance to be treated equally.”

“I am hoping that with regards to my driving conviction that at the very least I may have it pardoned so that I may be to continue my employment as a driver. I am fully willing to accept that it may take time to drive my own vehicle again. However in this economy the loss of my current employment could be devastating not only for me but also for my girlfriend and her young baby.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – Getting a Pardon for a DUI in Ontario

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We help people across the country obtain a Pardon for a DUI or Impaired Driving.  Many are not even aware that it is a criminal charge and are surprised that it can affect their ability to get a job or travel to the US.

If a criminal background check is done by an employer, they will see the DUI and likely pass you over as a candidate for the job.

Once a Pardon is granted, you will be safe for work and travel purposes as the criminal record will not be available for public record.

We receive hundreds of thank you letters from people we’ve helped to obtain a Canada Pardon for a DUI or Impaired Driving charge, and here is a letter from a resident of Ontario whom we recently helped:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for issuing me a Pardons on my DUI charge back in 2006.  At that time in my life I was going through a separation and wasn’t thinking about how many beers I had before I got into my truck to drive home.”

“I would like to tell you that now I have a wonderful girlfriend and I will never be put in the situation again of drinking and driving.”

“I know what kind of stress it put on me, my family and my wallet.”

“I was lucky that I didn’t hurt anyone while driving.  I have learned my lesson and will never drink and drive and I preach it to all of my peers as well.”

“Thanks again Pardons Canada for helping me regain my freedom.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – Immigrants who are charged with domestic assault can be a result of different cultures

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We help many people each week obtain a Canada Pardon for domestic assault.  Often the assault charge is a result of a heated dispute to which the police were called to the scene.  In many cases, the charges are later withdrawn, stayed, dismissed, peace bond, absolute or conditionally discharged.

In all these situations, even if you have been found to be not guilty, because your were fingerprinted and charged by the police, your information is still in the system and can be seen on a criminal background check for employment or travel purposes.

Having a criminal record can be a huge impediment to you advancing in life and it should be taken care of with a Pardon.  Once the charges are removed, you will be safe for work and travel purposes.

Here is a letter we received from a client we helped to obtain a Canada Pardon for a domestic assault charge.  He is from China and was not aware of the repercussions of his actions since the same behaviour in attitude can go unpunished:

“Thank you so much for mailing my official pardon.”

“About six years ago, when I and my wife landed in Canada, because of the different culture and lifestyle between Canada and China, I quarreled and argued with my wife and I threw a little book at her.  My wife was angry and called the police.”

“This is a true story and it affected my life for 6 years.”

“Right now, I got Canada Pardon and I am free to work hard to support my family and travel to USA.  I am free to travel to China to see my parents, so long time I did not see them.”

“I have three lovely kids, I love my wife and I LOVE CANADA.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – Getting a Pardon Can Impact Generations of a Family

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We receive hundreds of letters each month from people we have helped to obtain a Canada Pardon or US Entry Waiver (I-194).

The feeling of relief and freedom people have once they receive their Pardon is hard to describe in words, yet many do write us about their experience.

Here is an example of a client we helped to get a Canada Pardon who was deported to Greece:

“We are writing this letter in sincere appreciation for your hard and diligent work regarding the matter of my son’s pardon.”

“This event has dramatically changed the lives of everyone in our family.  John has been living in Greece for the last twenty years since deportation and has only been able to see his family from Canada on limited occasions when we were able to travel there.”

“I, along with my other son, and his family haven’t been able to grow as a complete family for a very long time and you’ve been able to give us the opportunity to pursue this.”

“My son in Greece has since married and has a wonderful family with two children.  He’s a very different person since leaving Canada all those years ago and we’ve missed his presence dearly.”

“The Pardon that you helped us obtain will not only change the life of one person but many families withing multiple generations.  My son will now be able to travel here to Canada and visit my whole family whenever possible.”

“Canada has the best judicial system in the world, and the ability to measure a country’s level of development has been displayed here today with this compassionate display of a pardon.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada “I felt that the criminal record did not reflect who I truly was”

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Many people who call us seeking a Canada Pardon are truly regretful of their past actions and mistakes.

They carry the burden of having a criminal record for many years and it can take a toll emotionally and mentally.

The sense of relief people feel once the criminal charges are removed with a Canada Pardon can be incredible.

We receive many thank you letters from people who we have helped to obtain a Canada Pardon so that they can move forward in their lives with a greater sense of freedom and self assurance.  Here is one example:

“Knowing that my criminal record is no longer existent gives me confidence and allows me to see myself as a mature and responsible adult.”

“Just the thought of knowing I had a criminal record brought me down in the past.  I felt that the criminal record did not reflect who I truly was.  I did not want my family to view me as a person who has gone against the law.”

“I am a parent and I want to be a role model to my children and teach them that adults should be responsible, cautious and law abiding.  I want to teach them that Canada gives us much opportunity and rights and to give back, we must live in a civilized manner where everyone is following the law so that no harm is done to anyone.”

“I am certainly appreciative of Pardons Canada for giving me the chance to change my life in a positive way.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – A DUI or Impaired Driving Charge Can Happen At Any Age

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Every day we help people remove criminal records with a Canada Pardon and among the most common criminal charge is a DUI or Impaired Driving.

The emotional and financial price to pay for a DUI or Impaired Driving is very high and we hear many horrible stories about how it negatively affected people’s lives.

Thankfully, once a Pardon is granted, you will be safe for work and travel purposes.  A US Entry Waiver or I-194 is only needed if you have been denied entry to the US.

Here is a letter from a client we recently helped to remove a DUI with a Canada Pardon:

“I was 74 years old when I was arrested and convicted with a DUI charge.  I nover so much had a speeding ticket and certainly never thought I would have a criminal record.”

“I foolishly thought due to years of ignorance and complacency that I could have a few glasses of wine with my dinner throughout the evening and still be sober enough to drive.”

“Our generation grew up with this attitude and witnessed it on a constant basis with our parents and their friends.”

“The worst feeling I experienced was having to admit to my daughters that I had made a terrible mistake.  The financial burden as well as the adjustments made life very difficult.  No doubt this experience had a mental, emotional and physical effect on me which will stay with me till my deathbed.”

“I only hope that my family and friends have learned through my mistake that drinking and driving is not only breaking the law but could have a very adverse affect on many levels in one’s life.”

“I would like to thank Pardons Canada for helping get a second chance.  I made a bad judgement and a terrible mistake which I have learned from and hopefully others have too.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – Criminal charges that have been dismissed, withdrawn, stayed, conditional or absolute discharge is now affecting US border crossing

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US border crossing with ANY form of criminal charges has become a lot more difficult.

We are being inundated with calls and emails from people who are getting turned away at the US Border even for criminal charges that have been withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, absolute or conditional discharged.

Here is an email we received today from a very concerned traveler:

“I am a Chief Engineer on a Canadian ship. Today entering US port Mobile Alabama I was refused to get entry permit to US. I have to stay on board of the ship.”

“I was last 15 years at least 100 times in US and never happened and never even asked.”
“It is true I was questioned by police in 1996 about domestic violence ( Febr 1996) but charges and were dismissed ( judge dismissed)because that actually never happened.”

If you have been denied entry to the US, then you will require a US Entry Waiver or I0194 to re-enter the US.  This is a complicated and lengthy application and requires expertise to complete.

In this person’s case, he may not need a US Entry Waiver if we can prove to the Americans that he’s not as bad as they think.  We will proceed with a file destruction and collect all the paperwork from the police, courts, RCMP, for the client and hopefully after showing it to DHS (Department of Homeland Security) they will allow him re-entry.  If not, he will need a US Entry Waiver (I-194).

If this person had called us earlier to remove the criminal charges, fingerprints and photos from the system, we believe he would never have been put in this messy situation.

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – US border security crackdown continues to impact travellers with a criminal record

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The Americans are getting even stricter at the US border as we are receiving a flood of calls from people being turned away at the US border because of old criminal charges.  Even if the criminal charges were dismissed, withdrawn, stayed, conditional or absolute discharge, it is raising red flags at the border.

A US Entry Waiver is only needed if you have been denied entry to the US.  If this is the case, an application to DHS (Department of Homeland Security) needs to be made to allow for re-entry to the US.  This application is commonly known as a I-194.  It is a complicated application and requires a lot of time and expertise to complete.

If you have not been denied entry to the US, you may be safe to travel once your charges are removed with a Pardon or File Destruction.  Every file is different, so make sure you email or call us before crossing the US Border.

To give you an idea how strict the Americans have become, here is a story of a client we recently helped to obtain a US Entry Waiver or i-194:

The client had a 25 yr. old theft charge.  He assumed it was already out of the system (this is a common mistake people make assuming their criminal record has been removed just because of time).

He was on his way to Costa Rica with his wife and 2 children.  There was a stop over in Houston where you must clear US Customs in order to continue on to Costa Rica.  In Houston, the American customs agent found the old theft charge and denied him entry to the US.  This meant that he was not able to continue on to Costa Rica.  His family was devastated and he was completely embarassed to say the least.

Now this person needs a US Entry Waiver or I-194 to re-enter the US.  Even worse, his spirits were extremely low because of the incident in Houston and his children and wife were denied a pleasure trip to a foreign country with their father.

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – New US Security Rules May Affect Travel with a Criminal Record Even Over US Airspace

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Are you thinking of traveling to the Caribbean or South America and you have a criminal record?  With the new US Security rules, you may be in for a problem.

According to the following recent Globe and Mail article, the Americans want Canadian airlines traveling over US airspace to report the details of the passengers even though the passengers are not stepping foot on US soil.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/us-security-rules-would-break-privacy-laws-canadian-airlines-contend/article1416718/

Therefore, if an airplane is forced to land in the US, the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) can deny you entry to the US if you have a criminal record and send you back to Canada.

Once DHS knows about your criminal record, you will be in their system for life, and you will require a US Entry Waiver or I-194 to re-enter the US.  The application for this waiver is costly and time consuming.  At Pardons Canada, we have been helping Canadians obtain US Entry Waivers (I-194) for over 20 years.

If you plan on flying south, even if you are not going to the US, you should consider taking steps to remove your criminal charges with a Pardon or File Destruction before traveling.  Once the charges are removed, you should be safe to travel without the need for a US Entry Waiver or I-194.

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.