Hello,

Even if I am making this more complicated, I am still under the impression that his criminal history will have an effect on his ability to come here. I've read horror stories of folks with simple cautions for the slightest weight of cannabis being denied a visa.

Regardless, of whether or not I am making this more complicated, I still thought I asked some pretty direct questions.

"Further, it is my impression that his issues could very well equate to an automatic and/or permanent bar from the US. If that is the case, what is the incentive to even attempt proper procedures? If he's likely be barred anyway, why not just attempt the VWP route and hope for the best? Even if we were found out, it seems that he'd be penalized no more severely than the repercussions we would suffer at the hands of a failed tourist visa application with no appeal recourse.

What risks do we run if we intentionally bypass the visitor visa and pursue the VWP route?

Please note that I am not looking for justification, support or any kind of permission to do this.

I would just like to know, in no uncertain terms what the possible outcomes of attempting the VWP route would be for us - both positive and negative (best and worst case scenario) as well as short term and long term effects of our actions as it pertains to the US. Additionally, how would we benefit from going through the whole process if the outcome would be the same regardless, and we'd be out loads of money in the mean time?

If we DO go through the proper processes and reveal cautions and what not, what is the approximate time frame we are looking at for completion (best and worst case) and is there any chance in he#@ that we'd accomplish all of this in enough time to get a reasonable airfare for him to the states?

Any additional input you feel relevant or good to know would be greatly appreciated."


Thanks.