Are you a Canadian who had problems entering the US?

My boyfriend, a Canadian, was entering the US by car to visit me (US citizen) for a few months. He had his birth certificate and gov't ID as proof of citizenship. He was detained for 2.5 hours, finger printed, and photographed before being refused entry. He was told he had too much luggage, not enough money, no proof of employment or home to return to in Canada. He took leave of absence from his job and lived with family so doesn't have a lease. We want to know: what are the implications of being finger printed & photographed? If we get what was required by customs, can he try to enter from another border? Will he run into the same problems if he flies in? Will this create problems for him getting a Canadian passort (he's applying now)?

Has anyone heard of other Canadians who have had problems entering the US? BTW - he has no criminal record, had enough money since he would be staying with. I called the border control office but they were would not give me any information.

welcome to my life. my boyfriend is mexican, he has a tourist visa, a valid mexican passport, proof of employment (ownes his own company,) and he has plenty of money. he has crossed the border WITH me before, and they have turned him away despite his valid tourist visa.

now when he crosses, he brings copies of his bank accounts, a letter from the director of whatever company he is working with at the time stating that he's currently involved in a project, and a copy of his electric bill (although he lives with is parents, as is customary in mexico.) this is barely enough to get him in, and most times he is detained.

the safest way is to get a plane ticket. the reason is that now the US has a specific date that he will return home. and it's the airlines job to make sure that he does make that flight. if not, they notify border patrol. having an airline ticket assures the gov't that he will return to canada.

in a way...i've always felt racism or some kind of prejudice played a part in my boyfriend's troubles at the border, but now that i've heard your story, i feel a little better knowing it's not just a "mexican" thing. thanks for sharing. i hope i helped you a little bit.

oh yes....the fingerprints and photos may be used if he tries to cross again. now they have him in their system. honestly though, i think the biggest issue was that he didn't have a passport!! hopefully when he gets one, and brings a little more proof, things will be ok for you. (and no, it won't effect him getting the passport...that's a canadian thing, not related to border patrol in the US)