I don't think most people have a problem with border patrols and protection. I understand why they do it. It's the way it's administered that's the problem.

To be honest, the situation you describe sounds very dangerous. :2 cents:

dangerous? for whom? it's called the Schengen Agreement and it's in place since 1985: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement

it basically says: european union countries are treated as one big country with protected borders to the outside of europe. but as most of you that went to amsterdam recently or visited other places in europe may have noticed the border controls of europe concentrate on the important things like criminals or terrorists - not people who just come for holiday or business

Maybe your system works man, but it SOUNDS potentially dangerous. It's probably the way I was brought up. The last thing I'd want is a bunch of gun toting American's roaming free in the Canadian wild. Just like I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate us crossing their border with our beer and hockey sticks.

You have to remember that driving around Europe sizewise is like driving state to state in the US. You don't have to check in at customs between states in the US.

well, guns are forbidden in all european countries :winkwink:

So basically you're saying that within the EU, you can move around freely. Kind of like Americans can move around the US states freely, or Canadians can move around the provinces. Same shit, different pile.

bad comparison, even if smaller it's still separate countries

nope - see post above - Europe is not a country

Yes, I was thinking it just sounds like one big country with individually named states.

edit-I know it's NOT Stefan, that's just what it sounds like.

Open borders, same currency, you calling it seperate countries doesn't make it a bad example. You just don't see it that way, but it's a pretty stable example. The disctinction is really just a word.

People from Kansas and people from say New York are every bit as different and distinct and people from say Germany and France. :2 cents:

:eek7 :Hollering

I meant to say as. And maybe that wasn't the best example.

But say compare people from New York city to people from Texas. It's not that much different than say Dutch and German. Or better yet, Louisiana and Washington.

You get the drift.

lol - i'm speechless the very first time since years :error

Now that would be NICE

Got to agree with your original post Ma D.

Would also extend it and add that there is never a question of entering most countries outside the EU based on an EU passport - Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Panama, wherever...

The US used to be the same, but there is a need to fear terrorists blah (like no other country has had terrorism?) and not worth the potential hassle now. Again, never actually had a problem with US customs in the past, but that may depend on whether the individual officer has a braincell.

You obviously don't know much about Europe :1orglaugh

you mean immigration right?

Sorry, been busy..... but that's a great link! :thumbsup

I'll hit you up at some point, I'm still getting a grasp on a lot of things at this point now that everything has changed with my schedule.

Just to be fair... Hawaii isn't actually in America, it's a US state but is not located in the Americas. :winkwink:

Idiotic statement.

They are probably asking themselves:

"Why does an affiliate manager need to talk with a hosting company." :winkwink:

Don't make me cut in and step on your foot. :upsidedow

I should also mention that immigration has become complex. For example a few years ago you would enter the US on a B-2 visa as a visitor but they didn't stamp you. Now they do. I have a few B-2s which are supposed to be used for non VWP (Visa Waiver Program) entrants.

A b-1 is exactly the same. We aren't supposed to have it (Canadians that is, as we are waivered). However if you apply and are denied, you at least have proof to take to the border showing they stated you don't need a visa to enter.

Also bring LOTS of proof of ties to Canada. They probably think you want to move to the US as you are "free" in your job. Bring pics of the wife, kids, house deed/car loan docs/bill stubs. Pack it neatly into an accordion folder. When they ask if you have ever been denied entry, state you have tell them why. Be honest first and foremost. With evidence and honesty they should never deny you.

I should lastly mention that every single border agent has their own biases, own experiences and will deny you if they feel like it. They have the authority to do that. If you have your ducks in a row then they shouldn't.

My crossing record isn't exactly squeeky clean, but I have been over and back a few dozen times in the last 4 years without any incident.

I just tell them I'm American and I walk through. You should try that.

nest time lie!

vacation/shopping whatever

Absolutely. I would recommend this to all idiots who would like a lifetime ban.

Good advice.

I had to get FDA approval to ship a carton of Tim Tams for y'all a couple of years back.

Crazy ass shit.

2c

On top of the agents having so much discretion, even the very Visa laws themselves have a crazy amount of latitude built into them. I got an E2 (Investor) Visa and the criteria is making a "substantial" capital investment and hiring US citizens. Each office that processes the applications can decide what "substantial" means.

Why don't you just say you're on a day trip?

Seriously, after the last time where they denied me because I couldn't prove I wasn't going to work.... there was no right thing I could have said.
At this point, they wouldn't believe me no matter what I have to say.

So I figured I'd actually be honest and straight forward. I had hoped that if I just came straight out and said that I had a meeting, they'd go "wow, if he was trying to get in to steal jobs, he'd have just said he was going on a day trip."

I have quite a bit of experience traveling between Canada and USA and it's always a hassle. Hour long interigations and baggage searches etc...

With this experience what's really amazing is how incredidibly easy it is every time I go to Hungary or Czech Rep. The customs agents there don't even take one look at you. They just stamp your passport and yell "next". Not a single question asked. Same every time.

its truly a beautiful thing. Hungary, Czech, Slovakia, and Slovenia join the schengen on the first of the year as well. at least thats what i was told a few days ago.