Have I committed a crime of moral turpitude? I'm not sure whether I need a US visa.?

Mr_Wang

scottishperson2 wrote: »

So even though you have travelled to the US "more times than you can remember" you still think its OK for people to commit immigration fraud.

Care also to point out what legislation prevents the UK from sharing data with the US.

It's probably more of a moral issue tbh. Is there UK legislation (which we live and abide by here) that provides for the information you give to US Homeland security?
A quick Lexis Nexis brought nothing up. So really, is it fraud according to UK law? Probably not. Is it fraud according to US legislation? No, simple ignorance.

Here is the EU legislation on data sharing (which of course umbrellas the UK)

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/11/st17/st17434.en11.pdf

I know, I'm great. Stop for a moment in recognition and then move on.

martinthebandit

Funnily enough I just got US visas for me and the wife last night.

If you go here https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Fill out the form and pay $14 by credit card you will find out, usually instantly, its probably worth $14 for the peace of mind and the visa is valid for 2 years.

scottishperson2

What a lot of bull. You bring up an old outdated EU pdf on PNR, showing data sharing has been going on for years then think you're some sort of god by bringing up a document that DISPROVES your point.

Heres the current version of the pdf you posted

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/jha/129806.pdf

If you think you are right then put your name and address down here, see if CBP like the fact of what you're saying.

Data Sharing exists, whether that be through interpol, the High value data sharing protocol, or simply by CBP phoning up the nice police officer on secondment at heathrow alongside UKBA

martinthebandit wrote: »

Funnily enough I just got US visas for me and the wife last night.

A completed ESTA is not a visa. What the OP is concerned with is

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or have been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or have been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?

shaun_from_Africa

Mr_Wang wrote: »

If the OP fails to declare his conviction then he will face no problem at border control.

Unless of course, the OP is one of the people who gets chosen for extra questioning when they get to the immigration desk.
This doesn't occur very often with people arriving on the Visa waiver program, but there is always the chance that it may happen.

I know many people who always bring excess tobacco products when returning to the UK (where I'm currently working, you can pick up 200 B&H for about £8), so because they get away with it, does this make it okay?

I will happily bet him the cost of his flight ticket

If they do get stopped and questioned and their conviction is discovered, the cost of their ticket won't be all that they have to worry about.
There will be the cost of hotels, hire car etc, not to mention that once you are refused entry into the USA it will be far harder to get a visa if they want to go again.

Wellery82

scottishperson2 wrote: »

So even though you have travelled to the US "more times than you can remember" you still think its OK for people to commit immigration fraud.

Care also to point out what legislation prevents the UK from sharing data with the US.

You may be speaking the technical truth, but the reality of the situation is that many convictions will simply not be found out at US Customs. I know from personal experience that people ticking "no" to this question, when they have relevant convictions, hasn't caused any issues.

It is useful for people to understand the legality of a situation, and the risks, both theoretical and also realistic.

I am interested whether people have any experience of those who have simply ticked "no" and got through when they have convictions, or those who have been turned away

shaun_from_Africa

Mr_Wang wrote: »

Here is the EU legislation on data sharing (which of course umbrellas the UK)

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/11/st17/st17434.en11.pdf

I know, I'm great. Stop for a moment in recognition and then move on.

Did you even read the info that you linked to?
It doesn't look like it.

Agreement between the United States of America and the European Union on the use and transfer of Passenger Name Records to the United States Department of Homeland Security

Wellery82

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

I know many people who always bring excess tobacco products when returning to the UK (where I'm currently working, you can pick up 200 B&H for about £8), so because they get away with it, does this make it okay?

Its hardly crime of the century is it!

shaun_from_Africa

No, but I'm not talking about the odd 200 ciggies.
One of the people I work with brings back at least 10 boxes (2000 cigarettes) every 4 weeks.

He doesn't even smoke and these all get sold in the local pub.

Personally I don't care about him doing it, but I certainly wouldn't go on a public forum and advise others to do it as there is only a remote chance that they will get caught.

Wellery82

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

No, but I'm not talking about the odd 200 ciggies.
One of the people I work with brings back at least 10 boxes (2000 cigarettes) every 4 weeks.

He doesn't even smoke and these all get sold in the local pub.

It's still not seeming like a big deal in my opinion sorry!

mynameistallulah

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

Did you even read the info that you linked to?
It doesn't look like it.

From reading his posts I don't think he reads anything - the stench of arrogance from that man is overwhelming!