chartreuse

That would be "coming over the boarder"

Sally Redux

It was an old rhyme I think - if anyone was called Roger, my Mum used to quote this poem about 'Roger the Lodger, the sod'

chartreuse

You sure you're not thinking of Rodger the Dodger, from The Dandy?

Sally Redux

Only if he was a sod

LadyKat1974

Just out of curiosity is it true that a US Citizen has to prove they are a citizen when they come back to the US via a border crossing from Canada...and if so how do they prove it if they don't have a passport??

chartreuse

Ask mrfoxy - he just did it.

meauxna

Yes they do, oral declarations are no longer accepted.

If they do not have a passport, there are a few other specialized docs they may be able to use but pretty much, it's time to get a passport: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html

U.S. Border Crossing Requirements Have Changed- Make sure you are compliant today!

Simplify your travel checklist!

Starting June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, are required to present one of the travel documents listed below.

U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Several states and Canadian provinces are issuing this driver’s license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.

Special Groups – Information for Children, Groups of Children, Native Americans, "Closed Loop" Cruises, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, U.S. Military, Merchant Mariners, Ferries and Small Boats, and Boaters.

Knowing what documents are required and having them ready when you return home will help streamline the entry process and ensure your return to the U.S. is as smooth as possible.

LadyKat1974

I found that same info but was wandering what happens IF you DON'T have any of the required stuff....

meauxna

Then you don't cross.

Ah, but what if you did, and you're trying to get back in?
They will question you and use whatever means to verify your identity and citizenship. They may fine you, or, as in the mrfoxy case, let you in with a warning.

This is under a lot of discussion where I live now with the upcoming Winter Olympics. People have been allowed to cross with just a birth cert for ages (lifetimes) and old habits are hard to break. The media is supporting DHS outreach efforts to make sure people know what they'll need.. and notice the name of the new website discussing the docs?
Get You Home.

This was a funny thread; you can see what happened to him toward the end.
just became usa citizen however now usa passport, have uk passport travel to Canada

Bill_S

Further to meauxna's answer - you could be delayed quite a while in secondary while all that goes on.

Many years ago I saw an interesting scene play out in secondary at Lewiston NY. I was waiting for an officer to process my TN application, and a Canadian family of three had been also diverted to secondary. They had decided on a whim to cross the border to go to an outlet mall, but not only did they not bring proof of citizenship, wife and daughter had NO IDS AT ALL. The US inspector's comment was "You crossed an international border with no ID???? That's a really, really big deal. How were you planning to get back into Canada?" The family was pretty upset, and for his part, the inspector handled it like a pro, and eventually issued a formal refusal that they could show to the Canadians. Plus he called his counterparts on the Canadian side and told them what was going on. He warned the family that they were going to be delayed on their way back because Canada was going to want to verify their identities and citizenships.

The moral of the story is: get a passport.