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U.S. Citizen? You Better Be Able To Prove It!

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Real Estate Agent with Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 UT DRE# 6541633-SA00

U.S. Citizen? You Better Be Able To Prove It!

On a recent trip to Pittsburgh, my bother and I decided to visit family and friends in Canada...no problem, I had 2 forms of I.D. and breezed through the border station on the way up. We had a fabulous time at the shoreline and eating at several restaurants, most notably The Keg in Toronto.

After several days, it was time to return to Pittsburgh and we said our goodbyes and headed south. We visited the Duty Free store where I bought many souvenirs with the Canadian logo imprinted on them and proceeded to the border station.

The border patrol took my brother's passport and my 2 forms of I.D. and then said to me...

"You have yet to prove to me that you are a U.S. citizen!" "How are you going to convince me that were born in the U.S.?

My answer..."I...don't... know."?!

He said "Do you have any other forms of I.D. on you?" "No", I said. He then proceeded to tell me that I needed a birth certificate or passport in order to get back across the border!

I had visions of being barred from my homeland and becoming a Canadian citizen and selling Canadian real estate to make a living! I love the U.S.A! I love southern Utah! And besides...I've become allergic to the COLD! I can't take it! Except in small doses.

He finally allowed us to cross...and my advice is...in order to avoid a sudden drop in your blood pressure or a sudden urge to purge bodily fluids, get your passport if you plan to travel into Canada.  As of June, they will not take any other form of I.D.!

God Bless America!

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I, Wanda Kubat-Nerdin at Red Rock Real Estate Utah am responsible for my opinions expressed in this blog. Information herein is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed and may change due to market conditions. Please do not take my pictures or artwork and use them as your own, they are my property and copyrighted.

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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin is a southern Utah REALTOR® assisting buyers and sellers in in the St. George area, Dammeron Valley, Diamond Valley, Veyo, Central, Hurricane, Ivins, La Verkin, Leeds, Santa Clara, and Washington real estate markets.
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Red Rock Real Estate
90 E 100 S, St. George, UT 84770

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Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Wanda- You are right. Every US citizen traveling to Canada or Mexico will not be allowed back into the US without a US passport. Your drivers license will no longer be good enough. I am glad you are back in the good ol' USA! Katerina

Apr 09, 2009 08:52 AM
Sylvie Conde
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage - Toronto, ON
Broker, Toronto Real Estate

Wanda, there are worse things than being Canadian, selling real estate in Canada.
And just so you know, we get the exact same treatment (and often times worse), when we visit the U.S.  I was held on the US side for 8 hours one day, and felt like a criminal.  As of June, we can't get into the U.S.A. either, without passports. 

The passport rule came from your side, just so you know. :)

 

 

Apr 09, 2009 09:19 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Thanks Katerina!

Syvlie, This was my first experience crossing any border...and I truly did enjoy visiting your country!

Apr 09, 2009 09:49 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Wanda,

Good information.  This happened to me coming back from Mexico a few weeks ago.

Apr 09, 2009 10:18 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Richard, I am googling passport requirements as I sit here at the computer...happy travels!

Apr 10, 2009 02:02 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for your post. It is a good reminder.

Apr 10, 2009 09:15 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Roy, It all comes down to being prepared, similar to practicing real estate. I can guarantee that my family and I will get our passports, pronto! To your success!

Apr 12, 2009 01:51 PM