Visa Waiver Program - Arrested not Charged

[Carla]

My statement certainly wasn't meant to be judgmental in any way. Perhaps you are feeling sensitive to the comment because the whole process has upset you, and you are finding it stressful. It's one of those situations where had we been talking face to face you would have realised that the entire paragraph was basically a question.

I did also write that "I've never heard of anyone in your family members' situation who has been refused this visa" so the sooner it's applied for the better and then you can relax and enjoy planning your vacation.

The main reason that I posted in the first place, was because I have not experienced what you described on your previous entry to America. I've been visiting America on average 5 times per year for a number of years now, and I felt qualified to respond to your comments (as did Blott) and to reassure others that what you described is most definitely very far from the norm.

[Katys Grandad]

Without wishing to inflame this already fairly heated debate, aa someone who has worked within the criminal justice system all my adult life, I can say with complete certainty that if a sentence of any sort was passed then there has to be a 'criminal' conviction. The key issue is the CONVICTION not the SENTENCE.

Although this is a personal view, I think there is great hypocricy on the part of the US when it comes to entry to the country. I assume that the British entertainer who performed at last week's Superbowl had little difficulty entering Florida despite his own convictions.

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Without wishing to inflame this already fairly heated debate, aa someone who has worked within the criminal justice system all my adult life, I can say with complete certainty that if a sentence of any sort was passed then there has to be a 'criminal' conviction. The key issue is the CONVICTION not the SENTENCE.

Although this is a personal view, I think there is great hypocricy on the part of the US when it comes to entry to the country. I assume that the British entertainer who performed at last week's Superbowl had little difficulty entering Florida despite his own convictions.
[/quote]

I'm sure he had the right visa to entre the country....no-one is saying that the US will not give you a visa if you have convictions....the problem is knowing if you need one or not........

[poohbear]

is the entry to britain as complex as the entry to the us?

[steph_goodrum]

"is the entry to britain as complex as the entry to the us?"

Not if your name is Mike Tyson!

[flyrr100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by The Cook crew
I do however, feel that the way US immigration control greets tourists is intimidating, frightening and very very intrusive. Even if you have absolutely nothing to hide, the sight of armed border control guards with faces like thunder makes you feel like you're guilty of something and puts the fear of god into you.
[/quote]

We have armed border guards because ALL law enforcement officers in the US are armed. If you are intimidated by this then spend your vacations in Bognor. Everywhere you go you'll see armed cops. But belive me, they won't draw their weapons and start shooting. Really! You are perfectly safe here. Partly because of the armed thunder-faced law enforcement people.

As for your family member having a criminal record, or not. Call the embassy. If his record is clean you have nothing to worry about.

If Brits with 17 year old petty records were our biggest worry here, the USA would be the safest place on earth to live! But unfortunately we have to contend with some pretty awfull types. All offenders are grouped together in the eyes of the Department of Home Security. The murderers and the speeders are all criminals in this post 9/11 world.

Good luck with your trip. The USA is a wonderful place to visit or to live.

[caron]

help a member of our party has convivtions dating back 8 years and we are due to travel at the end of august we have only just found out about this vwp as the holiday is a last minute booking what does any one suggest

[wiljohn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by caron
help a member of our party has convivtions dating back 8 years and we are due to travel at the end of august we have only just found out about this vwp as the holiday is a last minute booking what does any one suggest
[/quote]

The fact is they probably aren't allowed to use the vwp,depending on the crime comitted,the individual could interpret the questions on the green form (moral terpitude),as not applicable to them.
It's a risky strategy, but with so little time,there aren't that many options.
Others will disagree, its your choice!