please can someone help me. i really dont know what to do

[londonone2008]

Please can someone help me. Ive been thinking about this for over a thousand nights and i still really don’t know what to do.


In October 2004 I was refused a B2 Tourist Visa under section 214(b) due to being unemployed at the time and lack of ‘ties.’
Since then I have not attempted to get a visa or re-visit the US.

I am looking to go back to America at the end of this year. I have spoken with the US Embassy in London who say that I am eligible to travel to US using the Visa Waiver Program, However it is likely that I will be questioned at the port of entry regarding my refusal.

I’m looking to visit NYC as a tourist for 6 days in September for a holiday with a friend, to see the sights and catch some of the US Open, but I am highly concerned about how I should approach this.

I really need some advise from someone who knows about this or has been through this themselves, its a very frightening thought to imagine being turned away at the last door after all these years.

Since my refusal in 2004 my current living status has changed.
For the last 13 months I have been gainfully employed full time as the purchasing manager for a software company. I have moved out of the family house in May 2008 and am renting my own property.

I need to know if the evidence I can provide to the immigration offer will be enough to warrent a good chance of being allowed through.
i.e, A letter from employer, Bank statements with wage slips, Property Rental Agreement, Utility bills.
Aside from being refused a visa I am eligible to use the VWP.

The thought of being denied entry after all these years is incredibly intimidating.
My 3 questions are;

Am I doing the right thing by going on the VWP ?

Is the evidience of employment and rental agreements enough to provide ?

If I am denied entry what would happen, am I banned for a period of time, am I classed as a criminal ?


I realise there is no guarantee whichever way I approach this, i really need some decent advise.
Please please reply or email me at londonone2008@yahoo.co.uk

Thank you for reading my message.



The Visa Waiver Program page on the US Embassy London website says that :
‘ While travelers who have been refused a visa under the provisions of Section 221(g) or 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act are not ineligible to travel visa under the Visa Waiver Program, they will be questioned by an immigration official at the U. S. port of entry regarding the refusal by the Embassy or Consulate.
The traveler should carry with him or her evidence of his or her intention to depart the United States at the end of the visit. This is generally satisfied by furnishing evidence of strong social and economic ties to the traveler's 's place of permanent residence. There is no set form that this should take as each person's circumstances differ.
If the immigration officer is not satisfied that the traveler meets the qualifications for nonimmigrant status, the traveler will be denied entry.’

[Marco 72]

I think you're worrying too much. Many times when I flew to the US the immigration officer didn't even seem to look at the form. Just relax, take some evidence of your ties to the UK with you, but don't show any of it until asked.

Just make sure you have enough time to catch a connecting flight. Allow an extra hour or so in case you have to go to secondary inspection.

If you are refused entry you'll have to apply for a visa the next time you wish to travel to the US.