You must apply for an ESTA online to enter the USA after 12 Jan 2009

hethmar

It really doesnt matter whether I accept that or not - its the interpretation of the border controls that is relevant - not mine or yours.

Gawd, youve added a lot more on the above posting now!

I would just ask everyone to read the lawyer that you gave a link to. It says zilcho! He lists all the cases for moral turpitude and then all those that were not considered moral turpitude and he himself points at that some offences are on both lists! Basically he says dont take anything said as the law as its down to the officer at the arrival port. (I havent bothered to read it again, thats from memory, but basically yes, it is useless. Nowhere does he say this is moral turpitude, so you are fine if you havent committed these offences).

TBH, I dont give a monkeys. I dont understand why you are so adamant when no one else seems to be.

whatajoke1

hethmar wrote: »

It really doesnt matter whether I accept that or not - its the interpretation of the border controls that is relevant - not mine or yours.

and as the question that CBP sets here https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
is

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude

then that is pretty unambigous.

As CBP states here

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#Help%20is%20provided%20for%20some%20of%20the%20%22Do%20any%20of%20the%20following%20apply%20to%20you?%22%20questions%20where%20the%20meanings%20are%20less%20clear:

Crimes involving moral turpitude - Such offenses generally involve conduct which is inherently base, vile, or depraved and contrary to the accepted rules of morality and the duties owed to persons or society in general. There are factors, such as the age of the offender or the date of the offense, that may affect whether an offense will be considered a crime involving moral turpitude for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

For further information refer to § 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2), § 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43) and corresponding regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations.

As I now thing you are either a) winding me up or b) being obtuse I'll leave you to beleive whatever you want to.

But to everyone else, please don't beleive what this person has stated, its wrong.

In the simplest of terms

The form asks

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude

NOT

Have you ever been arrested

hethmar

Im not trying to wind anyone up. The fact is the whole thing is very unclear and by clicking on No when asked if convicted of offence or crime involving moral turpitude may mean you get your ESTA approved but still get stopped at the entry airport. It seems to me you are saying that anyone can click on no when they have been arrested or have a criminal record and they will have no problem at customs because they consider their offence doesnt come under your given definition. That isnt guaranteed.

I havent stated anything for people to believe or disbelieve! - Im still questioning the wording and meaning. It really doesnt matter to me at all, but it may matter to some poor sod who gets within a hairs breadth of Orlando before being told they arent allowed in.

Anyway, Im ok (and rather bored by this now). Its up to each individual to decide.

whatajoke1

hethmar wrote: »

by clicking on No when asked if convicted of offence or crime involving moral turpitude may mean you get your ESTA approved

I have NEVER suggested someone do that. See for example https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/36224949#Comment_36224949

hethmar wrote: »

It seems to me you are saying that anyone can click on no when they have been arrested or have a criminal record and they will have no problem at customs because they consider their offence doesnt come under your given definition.

Its NOT whether THEY consider its a crime involving moral turpitude, its whether the US consider it one. See for example https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/35852129#Comment_35852129

A lot of that information is available. I have also NEVER suggested someone lie on ESTA.

hethmar

You didnt write the original ESTA questions did you?

No more input from me.

whatajoke1

hethmar wrote: »

You didnt write the original ESTA questions did you?

No more input from me.

No, but I understand it, which means at least I didn't make a misrepresentation on my ESTA.

beady3647

Not sure if this has been mentioned already, but if you renew a passport, you have to renew your ESTA form as the passport number will have changed. We had problems at Easter as my sons ESTA form showed his old passport number. Virgin check in picked it up, but we then had to go the the internet cafe at Gatwick, complete another form for him and print it before they would allow him to travel. A bit of a panic and probably cost about £6 in internet time andf print cost. My daughters passport expires in August 2011 and we are visiting then, but unfortunately I cannot renew hers in time for a free ESTA. Never mind, the rest of us have renewed ours today and saved a bundle.

jackieblack

beady3647 wrote: »

Not sure if this has been mentioned already, but if you renew a passport, you have to renew your ESTA form as the passport number will have changed.

beady3647 wrote: »

My daughters passport expires in August 2011 and we are visiting then, but unfortunately I cannot renew hers in time for a free ESTA. Never mind, the rest of us have renewed ours today and saved a bundle.

Sorry if this seems like nit-picking but, actually, if you get a new passport you have to apply for a new ESTA, you cannot renew an existing one.

zorber

jackieblack wrote: »

Sorry if this seems like nit-picking but, actually, if you get a new passport you have to apply for a new ESTA, you cannot renew an existing one.

I am sure thats what they ment, they understand that they can not renew or use their existing passport due to the number changing and i am sure they ment that they applied for new estas rather then renew an existing one.
Your comments are as you say factuially correct though they cant renew an existing esta.:)

Salmonrushdi

I earlier this year successfully got my ESTA authorization, I have however recently got a simple caution for being in possession of a small amount of controlled substances.

Will this effect my ESTA? I am travelling to the US on business at the end of the month. Will this show up when I get to immigration?

Should I contact the US Embassy for advice?

Any help will be much appreciated.