This isn’t actually a new thing for me; it happened fifteen years ago, in 2010. This most unpleasant stroll down memory lane is being caused by the things happening south of the border with respect to immigration, due process and personal rights and freedoms.
To recap very briefly, at the time I had just finished my Masters degree. To celebrate, we decided to go to Hawaii in August, when accommodations were more plentiful and airfares cheaper. Not long before our trip we went down to the US to do a little shopping. At least that was the plan.
I remember the Peace Arch crossing was pretty busy that day, as we waited in line for probably close to an hour. When our time came to visit the CBP border agent in the little booth, we were asked the customary questions of where we were from, what the purpose of our trip was and how long we were staying. Occasionally they toss another random question into the mix, and we were asked if anyone in the car had ever been arrested. As I had done a few times before without so much as a sideways glance, I answered honestly that I had been arrested for marijuana possession when I was 19 (in 1983) and had received a pardon. This time, sadly, it would be a far different experience.
We were told to report to the main CBP building for “further inspection.”
Fun little fact: once inside, no one from the car is allowed to use a washroom or leave. The wait inside the building was probably another hour or so. I thought my youngest was going to pee himself, but he was ultimately able to hold it.
Once I got up to the counter, our passports were confiscated, and I was re-subjected to the same questions, only this time they also asked what had happened with my possession charge. I remember blanking, but reiterated that I had received a pardon. I was told that the US doesn’t recognize foreign pardons and the question was repeated. When I was clearly struggling, the CBP agent clarified by asking, “Were you convicted?” Under pressure, I recall saying that it had been nearly 30 years and I didn’t remember, but also recall uttering the word “Maybe,” while repeating that I’d received a pardon. And that was all it took to seal my fate.
The agent disappeared for probably 15 minutes and came back wearing surgical gloves to fingerprint me, and inform me that I had confessed to “potential” violation of a zero tolerance crime in the US, rendering myself inadmissible. As well, I was told I would have to sign papers indicating that I understood what had happened so my wife and I could get our passports back, and that knowingly trying cross back into the US could see me taken into custody as an illegal alien, and Have my car seized. When I asked if I could have a copy of what I had just signed, I was informed that I would have to apply for a copy through an FOI request (when he could have photocopied it on the spot). Finally, we were escorted back to our car and told to drive back to Canada. Even 15 years ago, CBP agents were basically judge and jury.
I find myself thinking about this episode a lot in light of the 51st state garbage emanating from the US President. Obviously I’m not willingly going anywhere near the US any more, but I’ve also had to be sure I haven’t had any flights with US stopovers and I’ve made sure that includes even just transiting through US airports, where you don’t actually go through customs. As well, countless stories are emerging about ICE agents arresting and detaining people, inhumane treatment at detention centres and deportations in violation of federal judge’s orders. While I don’t think Trump will actually be able to annex Canada, he will likely try his best to do so, including a destabilization campaign targeted at our country. The tariffs are only the first stage of something much bigger to get at our natural resources.
With no guarantee of due process, the lawless ignoring of federal judges and a seemingly unrestrained targeting of anyone for anything (including Trump disliking what you say), what would happen to people like me if annexation was successful? I couldn’t be deported if Canada no longer existed, so would I be indefinitely detained? Would I still be an “illegal alien?” I doubt very much that American drug policy will become more progressive under Trump, but those of us with pre-existing border issues and/or recreational drug convictions need to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution, because nobody likely has our backs.