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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    2

    Default Entry to The United States With A Past Shoplifting Conviction

    Straight up here; when I was 18 I was arrested for 'theft under' ($500) at my workplace in Ontario.
    I went to court, was ordered to pay restitiution and see a probation officer for 1 year. I did all of that, and have since remained trouble free.
    That was 25 years ago.

    Now I have a wedding in Dallas in October, and fear that I won't be allowed into the States because of this record.
    I've never applied for a pardon, and while I fully accept blame for this, it never really stood in my way, till now.
    I can apply for a pardon, but it takes up to 10 months.

    Am I in trouble? Do I risk the chance of not geting caught by US Customs officials? The last thing I need or want is an FBI criminal record.

    Any help would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Entry to The States?

    A pardon won't do you any good, unless it is based on innocence. I suspect, though, that the USCIS will regard your past offense as falling under the "petty offense" exception to crimes of moral turpitude and approve a tourist visa or admission. I suggest trying to confirm this in advance, so it isn't a problem at the border crossing point, perhaps through the U.S. embassy or consulate in your nation.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Entry to The United States With A Past Shoplifting Conviction

    I should have been more clear, I suppose.

    A pardon, in Canada at least, seals your record, so no one can access it. (aside from the RCMP)
    I didn't shoplift, I stole from my employer - I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

    But yes, consulting the embassy or perhaps the US border Patrol, is probably a good idea.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Entry to The United States With A Past Shoplifting Conviction

    Once it becomes aware of the offense, even after a pardon, the USCIS treats a conviction as a conviction unless the pardon was premised on actual innocence.

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