Entering USA with crim record

[Harry john]

Is it true that US immagration has all british criminal records & therefore will refuse entry anyone with a record who has not got a visa? Or is it only for recent convictions?

[rinkytink]

 

I have a spent conviction. I entered the US on the vise waiver programme no problem.

[rinkytink]

 

Sorry... VISA...

[Harry john]

Rinktink . . . . .  But when did you travel?

[irenemac]

I am totally confused by all this - I have so-called 'spent' convictions from 30+ years ago and I am fretting over whether or not I need to apply for a visa to travel to the US or not.
Some sources are advising me that I will not get in and some are advising that I need to apply for a visa - and still might not get in !!!
Does it all depend on what the conviction was for?
I only want to go to Disney with the grandkids - and as the misdemeanours were over 30 odd years ago and are no longer on my UK record - why are the States so interested in past records -

any concrete info would be great please

ps - it costs a fortune to call the US Embassy �1.20 per minute!!

[trueblueange]

Irene, were you successful going to USA, assuming that you have already went?