Need some help - US Customs

[the_bUg]

So, I have 1 detail to sort out before I can start planning my first WDW trip in earnest. See, when I was 19 I tried to cross the US border but was refused entry due to having an outstanding warrant for my arrest.

Now, this was all a misunderstanding. I was unaware there was an outstanding warrant for my arrest as I was unaware that I had ever had any charges pressed against me. I never received a summons to appear for a petty theft charge that was laid against me @ 15 years old, and due to failing to appear a warrant was subsequently issued.

So, US customs has on record that I tried to cross the border several years ago, while there was an outstanding warrant for my arrest. Now, when I returned home, I contacted the courts, appeared before a judge and cleared up the charges, which were subsequently dropped. So, I have no criminal record, however I know that the American Government keeps records of these things and that they do not update these records should the status change in the country of origin.

So long story short, what I'm wondering is, does anyone know whom I could contact (what US agency) to determine my eligibility to enter? I'm clueless as to where to start. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone! :

 

[NotUrsula]

It really doesn't matter up front that your record is now clear. What matters to the US State dept. is that you were previously refused entry, for whatever reason. That makes you automatically ineligible for the Visa Waiver program (presuming you live in a participant country), so you'll need to apply for a US tourist visa if you wish to visit the U.S.

Here is the website that explains the rules: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

 

[bavaria]

Based on the initial post I don't believe that OP is from a country which requires a visa for the US. Short term tourist visitors to the US who are Canadian citizens do not require a visa.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html

However the information on this website isn't what I would use to make such a decision. A better place to start might be the Travel Safety and Security forum at www.flyertalk.com, but the best place is to contact CBP and/or an immigration lawyer. One can also call a Port of Entry and speak with someone in person. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/

I would never take any information from this website as fact for such a situation.