Can you enter USA with a Criminal record

[jh2007]

Hi sorry to trouble you

I am researching for a friend who wishes to come to the USA to renovate houses / Holidays and after proving his contribution to society, wishes to emigrate.

Problem is he has a criminal record that he thinks may affect his entry to USA

He was charged under the theft act for Burgalary way back in 1989 ish, he stated
1: He was in a vunerable/dangerous position and couldnt say no.
2: That all that was taken in the shop burgalary was recovered through his co-operation with the police.

When questioned by the police as to why he done it They prompted an answer Was it for cash he stated NO and that he was asked and felt his position of lack of confidence together with the crowd he ended up hanging around with made him do it

Yet the criminal record does not state WHY he did it and the fact that he never did it again since moving away from the type of people he associated with has not been recorded on the file either

He has minor driving speeding offences but nothing serious as the above

Will he have a problem entering the USA?

Yours
J. Hartley
email: [email protected]

[xhxmxsx]

when he tries to book flights to America they will ask him if he has a criminal record and he will need to tell them, i think he has to go and get a visa from the american embassy but get him to call a travel agent they will help failing that citizens advice

[Reverandfunk]

He would get in on the Visa waiver programme as UK and US customs have (as yet) no direct access to the others records, so for a holiday he will be ok.

As far as being able live there permanently, I would say definately with a criminal record because they would definately look into it.

[Reverandfunk]

Definately not

[dzug]

He will almost certainly get in for a visit on the visa waiver program.

However if he does so he will have lied and it will come out if he applies for a visa to stay. The latter is next to impossible to get for a UK citizen anyway - if he has lied to get a visa waiver then absolutely no chance.

[arwenant]

it is very unlikely, particulalrly to work. i know of a couple of cases where even just for a band tour they haven't been allowed in. its so tight sometimes, they don't even take in consideration that the incident may have happened years ago! good luck to your friend! the best thing i suppose he could do is to get in touch with the embassy then you'd get a decision before plans are made.

[jh2007]

hi thanks to all of you for helping by answering my questions

your answers have provided him with satisfaction knowing he should be able
to visit the great usa, and see hollywood
and a shuttle launch that his sons nags for
yet he never booked through the fear he had
of being responsible for making the 747 be
refused tp land !!!!!!!
thanks again.