USA laws

[Curly13]

I'm not sure if I should be posting this here or in the travel section but here goes......
A group of us are planning a trip to Las Vegas next year, but one guy has been in prison before for GBH and ABH, roughly around 20 years ago. (He is a great guy now by the way!) And I'm just wandering if he would be allowed in to America or if they could refuse him entry? Any advice would be appreciate TIA

[Lakitu]

When he is given the forms in the plane to fill out in preparation for passport control, tell him to tick all the 'No' boxes.

He will not be asked questions at passport control and they do not have access to UK records to find out anything about him.

Enjoy yout trip.

[Curly13]

That sounds reassuring.
What about fingerprints though, when they take them at Vegas airport, does that not bring anything up from them? Sorry for my niavity but I havn't a clue about these things!!

[Lakitu]

Nope, they're taking that for their own purposes, as well as the scan of your eye. They don't have access to our records at all, so unless he stands there lokoing guilty, then he'll have nothing to be worried about :o)

[Curly13]

Excellent, Thanks Very much for your help Lakitu!

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you might have a problem,as from sometime next year,not sure of date,you all will be required to fill in a form 72 hours before you fly giving details of your trip and having to answer a lot of questions about yourself,thus giving the US customs more time to look into your life history,before you fly.

[tigwig]

Is that really going to go ahead Norm? How an earth are they going to do a detailed check on every single person coming on holiday?
I would tell him to chance it Curly, definitely don't apply for a visa or phone to ask them about it (they will take details). It would be very unlikely he would get granted a visa.

[Zax47]

The new system is in place NOW (since August 1st) and becomes compulsory for those who are eligible for the VWP from 12th Jan 2009, when you will be required to give at least 72 hours notice of your intention to travel to the USA! This means the current VWP green form system is to go, no more ticking "no" in all the boxes and hoping for the best!.

See here;

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ esta.html

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/ESTA_for_Visa_ Waiver_Program_Travelers.pdf

"From January 12, 2009, all qualified VWP travelers will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization prior to boarding an air or sea carrier to the United States. Travelers who do not receive travel authorization prior to their departure may be denied boarding, experience delays or be denied admission into the United States. Applications may be submitted at anytime prior to travel, but no less than 72 hours prior to departure."