Husband couldn't get into Canada today...

[Deleted]

Not sure if this should be here or PM, but he was turned back at the border, despite his American passport. He said they were stopping EVERYONE, and searching all vehicles and sending about half back.

He lived in Canada years ago, and they said he did not file proper paperwork when leaving Canada for the US... but we've been there 4 times in the last 2-3 years, and have never had a problem. They detained him two hours. He said they kept asking question after question, to him and others... One man had gone on the same trip every year for 20+ years, but they said he couldn't go because he didn't have a plan to stay in a motel or specific address (he goes to the res. ) ... A group of Hatian girls, a German couple, a young man who has one parent American and one Canadian... he said they were just some of the ones sent back.

I'm guessing this is a predictable increase in border control? Anyone else? How long do you think it will last...?

[chiver78]

wow, that's surprising. I flew on Monday, and didn't have any extra security to deal with then. of course, that was just domestic vs. your border control issue. I hope it's not going to be a huge PITA for long. I know that I can go either direction easily, because I carry a passport for both, but it sounds like a typical visa issue - which I've seen here in the US as well.

[Deleted]

That is weird! Both my wife and I are Haitians but with American passports go to Montreal twice every year and never had an issue. We barely ever get the car check (except once when we were in a van fill with people).

I'll ask my aunt/cousins that live in Canada and will get back to you.

[whoami]

Last time we tried crossing into Canada we were stopped on the US side as we were getting ready to go over the bridge. They gave us a hard time, asking a bunch of stupid questions that had nothing to do with anything. I asked them since when do I have to submit to this sort of questioning LEAVING the country. They eventually let us go, but I was really irked and contacted a state rep I know and relayed the story to him. I've never had a hassle getting into Canada or coming back to the US. (at the border crossing anyway).

[teen persuasion]

That is weird. The last few years, the problem is getting back into the US, not getting into Canada. We haven't gone across the bridge in years, since it is such a hassle having ID for all the kids.

When I was a kid we went up to Canada frequently to shop, for picnics, etc. All they ever asked was "Citizenship?" and "Anything to declare?" and you were done.

[Deleted]

I asked them since when do I have to submit to this sort of questioning LEAVING the country.]

Well from my perspective you are coming into the country.

[whoami]

I asked them since when do I have to submit to this sort of questioning LEAVING the country.]

Well from my perspective you are coming into the country.
-----------------------------------------------------------


HUH? I was being questioned on the US side of the bridge by US Customs. I have never had to explain to any US authority why I am going to another country.

[Deleted]

Husband was only going for 24 hours to attend a funeral near Montreal for a friend who had died. He was there in October, and we were all there last year, and he went fishing last year, no problems...

C... the Hatian girls were going to see their mother for mothers day... not now ...

[createmyown]

I live in Canada and I haven't seen anything on the news related to this increase in border patrol. I will keep an eye out though.

[TD2K]

and one Canadian

How could a Canadian citizen be denied access into Canada? Or did he just chose to return with the others who were refused entry. If a country I was a citizen of turned me away I'd be pissed.

Last time we tried crossing into Canada we were stopped on the US side as we were getting ready to go over the bridge

US immigration/customs does that here routinely. The interstate is essentially shut down while they funnel everythough one checkpoint. Talk about a traffice jam. Most people just get waved through so they must be looking for a specific vehicle.

[ameiko]

The bars of the cage are becoming more visible.

[Deleted]

May 6, 2011 20:37:54 GMT -5 whoami said:

I asked them since when do I have to submit to this sort of questioning LEAVING the country.]

Well from my perspective you are coming into the country.
-----------------------------------------------------------


HUH? I was being questioned on the US side of the bridge by US Customs. I have never had to explain to any US authority why I am going to another country.

That sounds like they were looking to stop a specific person or people from going out of some law enforcement jurisdiction.

[bring in the new year]

I'm wondering if the heightened scrutiny is due to bin Laden's death. I know around DC everything's supposed to be on increased security.

If so, I imagine they're worried about people already here who are trying to flee before they finish looking at the computers they collected.

[Deleted]

Nevermind.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

The U.S. military is on heightened alert since last Sunday and the announcement of Bin Laden's death. I'm not surprised to see heightened security for the time being at other places, especially ones involving borders and border crossings.

[Deleted]

I asked my aunt and the poster above are right. Everyone is on high alert currently.

My aunt said if you think your husband had they hard, it is two times as hard on the other side. A few friends were thinking of coming over this weekend and they changed their mind because they did not want to deal with the security at the border.

[Deleted]

Thanks cawiau and all... I'm sure that is probably right... I hope it calms down soon..