What are the chances of me driving across the US border from Canada with a minor assault record?

Question

I have a minor assault conviction from years ago and I understand there might be a chance that I will be denied at the US border coming from Canada on land. A minor assault isn't considered a crime involving moral turpitude but I have heard from people who said they were still denied. How can this be possible when it clearly states on the US Border patrol website? Basically I want to know how my chances are. Thanks

Answer 1

Well, fifty/fifty.

A Canadian friend of mine has a minor marijuana charge from 1969 ... that is 38 years ago ... and a Canadian Pardon for it, and a totally clean record ever since. He has twice been denied entry to the U.S. in the past four years. He has also been across the border a number of times. He finally had to get a border waiver card in order to cross ($300 and 6 months to get) ... and still occasionally gets hassled. It's not right, but what can you do?

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Answer 2

No can do....try and get a pardon for the conviction, then bring your paperwork to the border, but even then since 9/11 things at the border have gotten tougher