U.S. Immigration and Criminal Record
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009Question: We have booked a holiday to New York and have been told that my partner may be refused entry as he had a caution for possession of cannabis six years ago? Is this true? Thanks
Answer: Although you refer to a caution, matters relating to the posession of narcotics are taken very seriously by U.S. Immigration (and all countries) and it is quite possible that your partner may be refused entry solely on these grounds. VisitNewYork.ie are by no means qualified to advise you on a legal basis but our advice for anyone in your predicament is to contact your local Garda Station for a Police Certificate and advice on whether this information (such as a caution) was ever shared with the U.S. authorities. We would also advise you to contact the United States Embassy in Dublin to make an appointment as soon as possible. The U.S Dublin Embassy website has information on non-immigrant visas that relates to criminal convictions.
US Embassy Dublin - Visa Information
A member of staff at the embassy will inform your partner whether (s)he is eligible for a visa to enter the United States. Worst case scenario; at least with some notice you will be able to limit the cancellation charges for your flight/hotel booking. On the other hand, if all is good and there are no problems, you will be able to look forward to your trip to New York rather than waiting anxiously until the time comes to meet a U.S. immigration officer.
The VisitNewYork.ie Team
