Border crossing problems?

[briarberry]

I had hoped to have our passports this trip even though I know we don't need them but I am having trouble getting my DD's application accepted. They now want the long form copy of her birth certificate! I had to order it since I only have the small wallet size version. It's a long story why they need it but it is very frustrating! I have a passport but hers won't be back by the time we leave so I am leaving mine home. I figure they will want to know why my DD doesn't have one.
Anyway - has anyone had any trouble lately crossing at Detroit with their kids? I do have both our birth certificates but last time they really questioned me. We leave in two weeks.
I was born in the US but have lived in Canada nearly all my life. It is just sad that things have gotten so bureaucratic and paranoid. When I was a kid my mom took our friends along on our holidays to my grandparents all the time. I am sure no one even asked for any papers then. Sign of the times I guess.

 

[F4disneyfan]

No not in Detroit but we were given the 3rd degree crossing to Buffalo they wanted all our id's and everyone out of the van and into the immigration office it was crazy.

 

[zookeeper]

copied from my post on another thread:

I cross the Windsor/Detroit border at least once a week with all the kids by myself and, in the 9 + years I've had kids, I've never been asked to verify that DH thinks it's OK to cross the border. The most they've ever done is question the kids to make sure that I am their mother and one time a customs officer asked me to name all 5 kids and tell him who was the oldest and the youngest. It was kind of like answering questions on a game show. I wanted him to ask me more so I could win something!

However, both my brother and my male cousin were questioned when taking their own kids over the border without their wives so maybe they are more leary about men taking kids over.

 

[maryliz]

Hi there. I would absolutely still take your own passport with you. It's very common for adults to have them, and the kids to not have them. They aren't going to question you as to why your DD doesn't have one. Yes, I've heard of the ppt office requesting the long form BC ... I had no problems with my kids wallet size ones. I realize that we're dealing with 2 different govt's here, but it's ludicrous that they make parents go through this, when they have a perfectly legal BC. If in future it's going to be such a big deal, then parents shouldn't have any option but to purchase a "BC package" that includes both long and short form BC.

Take your PPT and her BC and you'll be fine. I think you'll find less hassle and questions from them if you have your ppt -- that's been our experience anyway. Have fun!

MaryLiz

 

[F4disneyfan]

We also had to do the long form for our oldest DD as she was born before we were married so it was required we didn't mind because now we have both short and long form if we ever needed it again. But after they had that doc her Passport was at our door in under 5 business days.

 

[briarberry]

Thanks everyone, I will take my passport and her birth certificate (maybe the long form will arrive by the time we go). I am glad I will have her passport soon, though. I am tired of having to prove she is mine!

 

[dangler]

Hi,

We crossed the border at Port Huron in April with no passports. The customs official asked if we had ID, I handed the kids birthcertificates and our Drivers Licenses and our birthcertificates. He barely glanced at them. Just asked where we were going, how long and have a good trip.