International Travel
In an effort to keep this site organized and the comments on the topic of each post, comments, questions and suggestions regarding International Travel will be moved to this post. Please use this for all further immigration / emigration / customs related contributions.
Resources for International Travel
DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
The Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs—like airports and train stations—or crossing U.S. borders,
http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip
Tip from comments:
Go onto the Homeland Security web site and file whats called a Redress (your addressing your being held up or perhaps miss flights/etc due to constantly being stopped when you re-enter the country). Then, when you travel and re-enter the country, hand both the paper (they will email you a very official paper) and your passport to Customs. The first time I did this, the Customs Officer seemed to not know what it was and the Supervisor read it and I was on my way.
Canada
Inadmissibility - Reasons for inadmissibility - Overcome criminal convictions - Deemed rehabilitation
Rehabilitation For Persons Who Are Inadmissible to Canada Because of Past Criminal Activity
If you have comments, questions or suggestions regarding International Travel, please utilize this post: http://californiarsol.org/2013/01/international-travel/
This Post Has 42 Comments
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Question: Has anyone else had issues when traveling Internationally? I was plead non contest to a wobbler 17 years ago and the charge has since been expunged/summary probation as well. I still have to register, but its nuts. Every time I go through Customs and show my passport, I’m halted, detained and normally have to go to a secondary screening where I’m just allowed to leave? Its very embarrassing. Normally, no one will answer any questions. I’ve missed flights, almost missed flights and its very hard when your traveling with 2-small children. I’ve had a few of the customs supervisors see the screen (when they scan your passport) and make a comment, “thats ancient history, have a great day.” Or, sorry for the delay. ALthough, I’ve had a few bullies talk to me terribly and they were beyond rude! The last guy (LAX) told me that I should carry my Proof of Registration? I informed him there was no law requiring me to do this. He changed his attitude after seeing my wife and 2 children? In Texas, I was informed my one of the officers to file whats called a Redress? It has done nothing for me? Any thoughts or similar experiences?
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Surely everyone has had those experiences, ranging from the inconvenient to the downright harassing. There were several comments / personal stories about it on this site just a little while ago.
This will continue unless you a) stop traveling or die, b) get off the registry or c) the laws change.
In the case of a) would be a damn shame and the point is moot, b) though some people on this site would disagree, you might look into getting a Certificate of Rehabilitation, or c) my opinion: these laws are not going to change unless they get worse. You can hope for a miracle… or support this cause and California RSOL with all you got. Time, presence, money.
There are regular meetings, CA RSOL has been testifying at public hearings, or there is a PayPal button on this site. Legal proceedings are not free.
Show up, Stand up, Speak up. Or not. The choice is yours.
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Traveling International:
The U.S. Government issued me a passport and did not inquire as to my registration status on the application and I did not volunteer information not specifically requested.
(They *want* you to leave the country)
I have traveled extensively outside the U.S.A. and have *never* been asked about my registry status on any visa application. Thailand seems especially welcoming, but that’s another story.
Life is considerably safer outside the U.S. for a variety of reasons, not just the wholesale perversion of justice and belligerence of the Police Agencies. Nowhere, on three continents, have I encountered a question, problem or even so much as a raised eyebrow.
It’s only upon reentering the U.S. where discomfort strikes. It’s America’s problem, and I’ve been advised by Homeland Security (several times) upon crossing the border returning, to pay attention to my Duty to Register after seventy-two hours. I just smile and suppress the urge to spit in the officer’s eye.
Leaving’s easy. It’s coming back that’s tough.
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I have heard- think from this site- that Japan will check and not let a registrant in, and that Canada prevents anyone from entering who has any kind of felony.
I have been outside the US, though not to the two countries above, and have never had any problems with the foreign government, entering, or anything of that sort. I am headed out of the country again soon and don’t expect any problem, but yes: *re-entering* the US is an ordeal. I really can not come up with a reason they make it so humiliating other than “badge syndrome”. -I knew an ex-police officer, who told me all kinds of stories about what it was like, the culture, etc when he was a cop, and how the culture of superiority and cruelty was what drove him to leave the force.
So I wouldn’t expect any problems traveling, except from possibly the two countries above, but expect to not enjoy your ‘homecoming’ at all. It just makes you want to turn around and leave again.
Its possible border cops get confused, since the Adam-Walsh Act, a national law, says that a registrant must report intent to travel internationally to their local police, but since CA has not adopted the Adam Walsh Act, Californians are not responsible for doing this.
Since there is such a widespread falsely held belief that all sex offenders are uncontrollable perverts who are constantly re-offending, and any police who do not work within the field likely believes this too -the ones who do work within this area tend to realize how ridiculous these laws are too- expect such general area cops to be ignorant, cruel and take it out on you.
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From what I read from the link provided, Canada has a waiting period of about five years after the completion of your sentence. There are no other restrictions that were in the article. Can you elaborate on where rso’s are not permitted and/or for how long?
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Here is some information on this topic:
LINK
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Bill, correct. Thats what I mean. In summary, whenever I’m re-entering the US, this is when I get stopped and normally detained. Normally, they say nothing to me and just check something on a computer and send me on my way. I have only had a few guys mention the registration status/maybe they are thinking I’m on the run or something? I’ve personally only had one person ask this? Normally, they don’t mention or answer me when I ask why I’m being detained? THen, they send me on my way. Otherwise, I’ve had no issues going to other countries/the issue has been expunged/summary probation/17 years ago. I’m hoping this California tier system goes into affect soon
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DZ, thank you for the sincere response. I actually travelled to Canada about 4-5 years ago and didn’t have any issues? They did stop me (coming back into the US), but didn’t ask me anything or ect. The charge was reduced/expunged since 2002. So, I would imagine the border patrol has such information. I have also heard that Japan is a bit hard/not related to this/to enter as well. I’ve heard of celebrities (Robert Downey, Jr) being banned or almost now allowed to enter their country. Interesting topic.
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I commented on this in another thread about being detained at LAX upon returning from overseas. It was brief and they let me go on with my dad. I was really worried about coming home from a cruise to Mexico, but the customs guy scanned my passport and told me to have a nice day. Shwew!
I applied for a rehabilitation waiver in order to relocate and work in Canada. I paid a lawyer several thousand dollars plus an extra grand for the rehab app. My application was denied. I have read on other sites about RSOs stopped at the border and having to hang back while their families go into Vancouver to enjoy a day trip.
I also read of a business man traveling to Asia who had an unexpected lay over in Japan. They stopped him cold and in order to continue on his journey he had to pay for two security guards to make sure he stayed in his hotel room during the layover. Crazy.
As my little ones get older I can’t imagine subjecting them to the BS they will experience at the hands of their classmates – kids can be cruel – so I am in a bit of a scramble to find a solution that will keep my family together without having them pay for the sins of their father.
If any RSOs with wife and kids is successfully navigating these treacherous waters and has any ideas regarding living arrangements, alternative countries, etc., please let me know. Staying here seems unfathomable. I am aiming for Western Europe, the place our forefathers left because it was so f’d up. Now look at us…
This is way off topic, but during my one week trip to China I lost 5 pounds.
During my one week cruise, I gained 5 pounds.
Just sayin’.
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Good luck with Western Europe. I looked into it, and it seemed just about impossible. Any EU country is going to be hard to get into. Having a criminal record of any kind makes it very unlikely. Even for an average American to move to Western Europe seems to require a work visa (you have a job requiring you to go there), have job skills in one of the ‘highly sought fields’ or to be very wealthy. Unfortunately I don’t qualify for any of those.
You’d think that countries such as Greece, Ireland, and others that are having such a tough economic time would welcome anyone that could support themselves and contribute to society, but it doesn’t appear to be the case- Ireland for example opens the door to immigrate only if you are ‘investing’ 300,000 Euros. ouch. New Zealand and Australia have similar conditions as Western Europe.
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I had no problems going to Japan as a tourist in 2007. I am stopped each and everything I reenter the USA however. They always look at my computer, pics on digital camera, etc. I find it very intrusive but now when I travel I make sure to have uploaded everything to a remote website (although I have nothing at all illegal) and just load in photos of churches for them to look at…just messing with them…I mean fair is fair!
I’ve been stopped so many times being a frequent international traveler that I take it as just one more joke (like the TSA search)!
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Has anyone visited Belgium or Tahiti?
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Here are some dated but helpful comments / travel experiences:
http://constitutionalfights.wordpress.com/international-travel/
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I travel to Mexico about 4-6 times a year to work on a home in Baja. I drive down with friends and walk the border when returning, leaving all of my belongings in the vehicle with the others. Only once have they gone through my cell phone and bag, but that was when I remained in the vehicle. Each time I tell the Border Cops to send me to secondary, where I sit for 5 minutes and then released to meet my friends on the other side. One time the Border Cop was indignant that I reminded him of his duty to send me to secondary and then let me walk on through. I carry nothing with me except a passport and ID. I believe that many Border Cops and probation/parole officers were the kids that got bullied in gym class and now carry guns…pretty scary the power they have been given.
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I was in Mexico last month and when I cam back. I expected this and was pulled aside twice. I tell them Im late for my night flight.
and what is “secondary” ?
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I travel to tijuana every weekend, I always let the officer that I go to secondary revision. At times the officer just lets me through amd the rest I get sent. The revision is quick since the same officers are always there and the know me. They do a quick car search and on my way out. Only once did an officer try to say something regarding my visits but I stopped him before he finished never had any other problems. I would like to live in tijuana and work in otay Mesa, ca. But have to see what type of problems I could encounter with that plan.
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Well, it seems like I started a wonderful topic of discussion. I agree with a lot of your comments. First, the first person you come in contact with via the border is usually very low key and professional. I truly agree with that. Thereafter, a supervisor is called and in Miami, they are normally very professional and have you on your way in minutes. Very courteous. At LAX, the first person is normally very low key and professional, but the secondary officer is rather rude, crude and not cool at all. The first time I came to LAX, they checked my baggage and ect. The second time, they were rude as well and informed me I should keep a copy of my registration certificate/proof of registration? In summary, my charge has been long reduced to a misdemeanor and expunged. Furthermore, I received Summary Probation? In summary, I informed him in a professional manner that there was no law requiring this? He didn’t know what to say. Then, he asked where my luggage was? I told him it was with my wife and 3 children? Hmmm. I was escorted out and left. In Miami, the supervisor took a look at the screen and told me to have a good day, it was “Ancient History”. He told me to have a good day. I almost feel they get off on harassing people. Thanks for the input. Ohhhhh, this is an important piece of information. When in Miami my second time, I was lead to secondary screening. This time, I was told to have a good day and an officer told me to get whats called a (REDRESS). In summary, if you go online, you can file this to Customs and bring it with you. Its typically for those who are detained repeatedly, miss flights due to this and ect. I brought it on my second to last trip and the customs agent showed it to the supervisor and was let go. I forgot it this time. I might recommend doing this. I will refile one again and ask for a point of clarification with respect to asking why I’m continued to be detained. Check it out. Truly
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One added thing: I actually visited Canada about 5-6 years ago and had no issues, but my offense had been reduced to a misdemeanor and expunged by this time. I was stopped/first International Travel Since 96 offense, for a moment, but let go immediately after they probably ran me on my way back.
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Does anyone know?
If I plan on taking my family to a Resort Hotel in San Diego this summer and I plan on staying 3 days 2 nights do I have to Tell the city or the Hotel of my RSO status?
Any info appreciated
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NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!
You would only need to give a hotel address as your residence if you were actively registered as “homeless” and you were checking into a hotel or hostel which would therefore become your residence for that time. You are NOT changing your residence. You are simply going on vacation.
Have a great and relaxing time at the resort.
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@Jeff – Are you on parole or probation? If not you are probably just fine. When I was on parole in ’95 I went to Vegas for a wedding and checked in with the local PD as per the requirements. If you’re not under any supervision I say go ahead and have a great time without feling like you have to check in with The Man. And if you’re going to Sea World, free those poor Killer Whales and dolphins, will you?
PS – I highly recommend touring the USS Midway.
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Thank You both.
I was stationed on the USS Midway. Took my sons there to show them where I used to work.
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I recommend this. It worked. Go onto the Homeland Security web site and file whats called a Redress (your addressing your being held up or perhaps miss flights/ect due to constantly being stopped when you re-enter the country). Then, when you travel and re-enter the country, hand both the paper (they will email you a very official paper) and your passport to Customs. The first time I did this, the Customs Officer seemed to not know what it was and the Supervisor Read it and I was on my way. LETS TRY THIS. It worked for me. Good luck.
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Thank you for sharing… we added a link to the form, as well as your description, to the travel resource page.
http://californiarsol.org/international-travel/
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After reading this posting I went to the site and downloaded the form. I filled it out and I am including all the proper id paperwork. I am mailing it in today. I will report back about what I hear back from them about it.
I am tried to being stopped every time I reenter the country after a trip abroad. Always the same being pulled aside, delayed and extra questions and intrusive questioning.
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I filed for this today as well. I will be interested to see if it helps.
I will be out of the country until mid-March and am hoping for a better re-entry experience than my last.
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I have traveled 3X internationally since getting off of probation. Every time was through Miami Intl and each time I have been detained for secondary inspection due to my RSO status (which was due to a misdemeanor). They then proceed to go through every inch of my luggage, every image in my camera and also my laptop. Typical delay is about an hour so I plan my connection flight accordingly. My offense happened 9 years ago and I completed probation without issue over 4 years ago. Afterwards I complained to TSA on two of the three occasions that I was detained and both times they wrote back saying this will happen for the rest of my life.
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and there is absolutely no reason for this.
It is harassment pure and simple.
I doubt many RSO’s have any record that related to travel or borders, so what is the justification for this? Other than abuse of power?
I wonder, do you have the right to record them while they do this search & questioning?
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It’s just part of being a second class citizen so we are supposed to get used to it.
I am confident that soon we will be part of a bigger database and that we will be prohibited from entry into the majority of 1st world countries and will need to apply for a visa which will most likely be denied.
Travel now if you can afford it because it’s about to become much harder if not impossible for those of us with the RSO attached to our profiles.
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These comments really make me angry. Your detained, bags are searched and your harassed for a misdemeanor? I initially plead to a felony/reduced to a misdemeanor and dismissed/expunged. For all intense purposes, Ive never been convicted of a felony/summary probation. In essence, I cant believe this is happening. Miami is relaxed and LAX is terrible. The last guy I ran into asked, know why you are hear? I responded, no? He went on to talk about how I should be carrying the receipt from my registration? I told him I was unaware of any law requiring this? Then, he asked what I did for a living? I have a graduate degree and very educated? I didnt tell him this, but I asked how much longer this would take and was I being detained to be asked about my place of employment? The guy was clearly feeling me out? I wonder how I would have been treated if I were ? WHo knows. This is terrible
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I have heard that recently Interpol becomes involved. I know of one gentleman that had the visa for the county he was visiting, ok’d to leave the US, ended up in the country and was held and detained and then shipped back to the US. He also can not get his wife into the country due to the Adam Walsh law.
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I travel to Baja quite often to surf, fish and sail. I can’t get a passport so I just take my CA ID and birth certificate to get back. The state won’t issue me a passport due to back child support and federal taxes, which was a result of my felony conviction in 2006. I have since had that conviction expunged and will attempt to acquire a certificate of rehabilitation when the time comes, but in the mean time I will continue this little game with the government.
Oh, the customs people always tell me to get a passport, and I always say I can’t, and they always let me through. I guess it’s because I’m so laid back about the process that they no longer bother messing with me. I’m just a middle aged laid back surfer dude these days. I sail my boat down there quite often and rarely check into customs when I get back so I prefer to travel down there that way. Maybe next time I won’t even come back!
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I found this interesting (as in ‘scary as all hell’)
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130208/17415621927/homeland-security-not-searching-your-laptop-doesnt-benefit-your-civil-liberties-so-we-can-do-it.shtml
Apparently DHS has decided they can search any electronic device they wish at the border- and in fact within 100 miles of the border (maybe even any entry into the US, so 100 miles from every international airport?) and they have decided it does not violate anyone’s constitutional rights to do so.
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Yes, this has been the case for quite awhile. When I travel internationally I always bring a more basic ultrabook type laptop (or more recently even a tablet) computer with me then my normal computer. For a couple of reasons, first it is lighter and more conducive to travel in a backpack. Next, it is cheaper so if stolen the loss in minimal, next, when it is searched and yes, I said when it is searched as it always is returning to the homeland I have NOTHING ON IT except the bare essentials. Open the photos folder and there is nothing.
I also have a couple of cameras that I travel with which are digital. I make sure that the chips have nothing on them when I return except pictures of churches (Being an atheist I find this particularly amusing). I always upload all of the photos and video I take (nothing illegal at all mind you) to a remote server and format the extra chips so they have nothing on them. Hassle I know…but so is everything else about being a RSO. The cost is minimal (besides does double duty of being an off site backup of my data)! Just find an internet cafe with high speed access and ftp all of the stuff.
Remember to put the chip of the churches you visited in the digital camera so the customs officer can enjoy them while he is snooping threw your private belonging. Being gay I sometimes include photos of my boyfriend and I making out…just for kicks in front of the cathedrals!
Have fun with these a-holes and enjoy your life!
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Need help. If any RSO out there has traveled to India and can provide insite on what an RSO can expect. Please please share. Will have to trval for work and this might cost me my job if I can’t travel to India or my RSO statis gets out.
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A fairly recent decision about searches of digital devices at Airports. (March 2013)
Ninth Circuit Rules En Banc:
Border Search of Laptop Requires ‘Reasonable Suspicion’
Border Patrol agents must have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity before conducting comprehensive searches of laptops or other digital devices, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
Eight judges of an 11-judge limited en banc court rejected the government’s claim that its authority to conduct suspicionless searches of persons entering the country extends to forensic examinations of electronic devices, even when those devices have to be taken to distant locations for more intensive review than can occur at a point of entry.
“A person’s digital life ought not be hijacked simply by crossing a border,” Judge M. Margaret McKeown wrote for the court. Civil liberties activists called the decision a significant victory for privacy rights, even though the panel upheld the search specifically at issue in the case, while the government seemed likely to seek Supreme Court review. …
http://www.metnews.com/articles/2013/coot031113.htm
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I experience that each and every time I return from a trip out of the country. It bothered me at first but now I fully expect it. Most of the time the agents are usually low key about it. They ask me to step to the side and wait, a police man will come over and ask about my current address. I give it to them, tell them that I am in full compliance with the registration law. They thank me, give me back my passport and I am on my way. Sucks that they get this “special treatment” when I return to my home country however.
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Yes, I have had that too, coming back to the US through customs.
I understand that since I have a record, they are likely running a check to make sure there are no outstanding warrants or such, and I don’t have a problem with that conceptually. I do have a problem with the condescension and harassment though. I was held up while they waited for their computer screens, and looked through my bags, making a mess, asking me about the circumstances of my case, where I had traveled and why. The officer said “i appreciate you being honest with me- if you weren’t you’d be in more trouble” to which I was thinking “excuse me? I am *not* in any trouble, so could not be in ‘more’.” I had done nothing illegal in traveling and my original and only crime was pretty mild. Of course, the only thing they see is some ugly numbers on a screen, so why they do their insulting song and dance asking “have you ever had any problems with the law?” is a mystery to me.
I had spent 3 months in Europe’s last dictatorship and felt more free there than I did in the first couple hours back in ‘the land of the free’.
Just bored badges poking people with a stick who they feel aren’t in a position to complain.
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Completely agree. I have different experiences depending on the international airport I come back home through. LAX TSA is the worst, Miami is an easier go. In every case I go to secondary inspection and have everything pulled out of the bags computers played with, passwords asked for, cameras gone through… All of this over a 12 year old misdomeanor. Due to the above issues, I avoid driving with co-workers in the car and make sure any return flights home I somehow miss getting on the same flight…
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I have the same exact experience everything I travel internationally and return “home”. Before the “incident” that occurred 15 years ago, I was always greeted with “Welcome home Sir.” but now every time I go through customs I am pulled aside and have to wait for an officer. I am taken with my baggage and questioned about the reason for my trip, what I did, where I went, and then searched. Electronics examined…digital photos looked at…quite embarrassing after a romantic vacation with my boyfriend especially one time when we returned from our 15th year anniversary in Rome and snapped some rather explicit photos in a hot tub as “normal” couples do all the time…then to be questioned as to who the person was I was having sex with was just too intrusive!
How many others have done so much worse than we have who are subjected to this sort of scorn and intrusive search forever? We have paid the “debt” we owned and yet we are never really free are we! We can never really move on as others are allowed to do and given that 2nd chance that all American’s are supposed to be given. Not for us however!
I dread dealing with customs as each time it brings back such bad memories. I have even been seen by my doctor and told that I have PTSD from the event and that was 15 years ago!
This shit must end and once we have paid the price we should be free to move on with out lives and not punished again and again and again…until we DIE!
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Is it even legal for them to search your computer, camera & such? Seems like that would be something you’d need a search warrant for wouldn’t it? I know customs say they can search bags presumably on the grounds of checking bags for unclaimed goods that are taxable, but isn’t singling someone out for an invasive search just because they have a past criminal offense beyond ‘reasonable search & seizure’? I mean- if a cop pulled you over they don’t have the right to search your vehicle just because you have a past crime, so on what grounds do border cops get to search your property?
I’d love to tell them ‘no’ if I can.
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Unfortunately the laws about search are pretty much gone when dealing with airports. Once you step foot there you can be searched (and anally probed if needed) and have all of your possessions searched as well. Yes, it is perfectly legal for them to search all your digital devices (not just RSO but everyone).
They can even keep it and give you a receipt while they keep in as long as they wish to search each file! You are then contacted to retrieve it when they tell you. You pretty much give up all rights the moment you step foot in an airport.
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