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OT: What are my rights when crossing the border? Can/US
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Posted by bender [Email] (#268) [Profile/Gallery] (more from bender) on Wed, 20 Nov 2013 22:16:50 Share Post by Email
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I did something very stupid, but very valuable, as a lesson. I crossed the border in Niagara Falls walking over the bridge and walked right into the lion's den. All I wanted to do was go for a walk on the other side and I thought I could do that as a Canadian. I was interrogated for 30 minutes, had my items checked, my Moleskine read, my personal items looked through and read, found a letter from a friend (who's a girl) and asked me "Who's your girlfriend" which went to "give me her name" to "What does she do, where does she live" to getting my fingerprints scanned and being told "You're hiding something from us, but we'll let you in for 2 days and if you don't abide by the law you'll have a difficult...."

It was nonsense. I made a mistake doing something so foolish, and even more foolishly SUBMITTED to these questions including giving up the name of my friend. How ridiculous. But, it's the first time anything like this has happened and I was way too pressured. I just didn't wanna get tassered or something. Seriously...

Can I change my mind and say "I'd like to go back to my country, actually." Can I refuse to answer those ridiculous questions? What more can I do and not do? Why did I make the mistake of having them look up in their database the name of my friend, if all I wanted to do was go for a walk ?!?! (yes, I know, stupid decision, I know...I know the point is about my rights, not my decision).

At that point I am a Canadian on, technically US soil. I'm not a US citizen going back to my country. So I'm not sure what it's like.Before I consult a lawyer or someone else, seriously, what are my rights? I was definitely harassed and I gave away FAR too much information that could be used against me and could make things hard for me and my friend in the future. I wish I remained silent but I would have wound up in jail or something (wait, is that even legal?).

Big mistake. Hoping some of you with all of your travel experience have something wise to chime in. I had a crappy evening...very crappy.

Thanks as always
_______________________________________
bender

2001 9-3 Viggen Laser Red 5 door 48k miles
2000 9-3 SE Midnight Blue 5 door (Sold)
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