NH Man Allowed to Return Home After Weeks Stuck in Canada

Christopher Landry’s 2025 denial to reenter the U.S. reveals stricter border enforcement for green card holders with past convictions. New U.S. and Canadian laws increase checks and deportations. Legal residents must prepare by reviewing criminal records and considering citizenship to avoid travel risks and separation.

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Key takeaways

Christopher Landry, a green card holder, was denied U.S. reentry in July 2025 due to a 2007 marijuana misdemeanor.
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act expanded border agents and increased deportations to over one million yearly.
Canada’s 2025 Strong Borders Act enforces stricter checks, including electronic device searches for travelers to the U.S.

Christopher Landry, a longtime legal resident of the United States 🇺🇸 and a Canadian national, was finally allowed to return home to New Hampshire after being stuck in Canada 🇨🇦 for several weeks. Landry’s ordeal began in early July 2025, when U.S. border officials denied him reentry because of a 2007 marijuana-related misdemeanor conviction. His case highlights the growing risks faced by green card holders with old criminal records as border enforcement becomes much stricter.

Landry, 46, has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since he was three years old. He holds a green card as a third-generation permanent resident. On July 6, 2025, he tried to cross the border at Houlton, Maine after visiting family in Canada 🇨🇦. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped him, pointing to his old drug conviction as the reason for denying him entry. This was a shock for Landry, who had crossed the border many times since 2007 without any problems.

NH Man Allowed to Return Home After Weeks Stuck in Canada
NH Man Allowed to Return Home After Weeks Stuck in Canada

“I never thought a mistake from so long ago would keep me from my family,” Landry told reporters. His partner and five children waited anxiously in New Hampshire, unsure when he would be able to come home.

Stricter Enforcement Under New Policies

Landry’s situation is not unique. Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups say that while the laws themselves have not changed much, the way they are enforced has become much tougher in 2025. The federal budget bill signed on July 4, 2025, called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” gave more money to hire thousands of new border agents, expand detention centers, and increase deportations to over one million people each year. This has led to closer checks on green card holders with any kind of criminal record, even for minor offenses from many years ago.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this new approach has caused a sharp rise in cases like Landry’s. Media outlets such as NPR, the New York Times, and the Washington Post have all reported that permanent residents are now at greater risk of being denied reentry if they have any past convictions. Immigration lawyers say their phones have been ringing nonstop with calls from legal residents worried about traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸.

Stricter Border Enforcement Timeline
Key events impacting green card holders and border policies

VisaVerge

June 2025
Canada passes the Strong Borders Act
New law enhances border security measures in Canada.

July 4, 2025
Federal budget bill signed, increasing border enforcement
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ allocates funds for more border agents and stricter enforcement.

July 6, 2025
Christopher Landry denied reentry at Houlton, Maine
Landry is stopped at the border due to an old drug conviction.

Late July 2025
Court agrees to vacate some of Landry’s old convictions
Legal progress made in Landry’s case to help regain entry.

August 2025
No changes announced regarding border policies
Current strict enforcement policies expected to continue.

Legal Steps and Hope for Return

After being denied entry, Landry began working with lawyers to clear his record. In late July 2025, a court agreed to vacate some of his old convictions. This legal step may help him regain entry to the United States 🇺🇸, but the process is not always quick or simple. Many people in similar situations do not know that even a misdemeanor can cause problems at the border, especially now that enforcement is so strict.

Landry’s case shows why it is so important for green card holders to review their criminal records and take steps to clear any old convictions if possible. “People need to know that what happened years ago can come back to haunt them,” said one immigration attorney. “It’s not just about big crimes. Even small mistakes can have huge consequences now.”

💡 Tip
Review your criminal record regularly, especially if you have old convictions. Consult with a lawyer about clearing any charges to avoid potential reentry issues at the border.

Canada’s Stronger Border Security

At the same time, Canada 🇨🇦 has also made its border rules tougher. In June 2025, the Canadian government passed the Strong Borders Act. This law gives the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Coast Guard more power to do security checks and patrols. The goal is to fight organized crime and keep the immigration system safe, but it also means more checks for everyone crossing the border.

Canada 🇨🇦 now warns travelers to the United States 🇺🇸 to expect more questions and even searches of their phones and laptops. Officials do not have to give a reason for these searches, and if travelers refuse, they can be denied entry or have their devices taken away. The government advises people to carry documents that prove their ties to Canada 🇨🇦 and show they have a good reason for their trip.

What Green Card Holders Should Do

Landry’s experience is a warning for all legal residents and green card holders. Here are some steps to help avoid similar problems:

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Green Card Holder Reentry Requirements
Essential qualifications and considerations for legal residents traveling internationally

1
Green card or legal residency status
Must have a green card or legal residency status to reenter the U.S.

2
Significant period of residence
Must have lived in the U.S. for a significant period, such as since childhood.

3
Awareness of past criminal convictions
Must be aware of any past criminal convictions, even minor ones, that could affect reentry.

4
Consider applying for U.S. citizenship
Should consider applying for U.S. citizenship if eligible to protect against reentry issues.

5
Documentation proving ties to the U.S.
Must carry documentation proving ties to the U.S. when traveling, such as job letters or family information.

  • Check your criminal record: Even old or minor convictions can cause trouble. Talk to a lawyer about clearing or vacating any charges if possible.
  • Think about U.S. citizenship: If you are eligible, becoming a U.S. citizen can protect you from being denied reentry for old convictions. Learn more about the process at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
  • Prepare your documents: When traveling, carry proof of your ties to the United States 🇺🇸, such as a job letter, lease, or family information.
  • Stay informed: Watch for updates on border policies and enforcement. Rules can change quickly, and being prepared is key.
  • Get legal help if needed: If you are denied entry, contact an immigration attorney right away. There may be legal steps you can take to fix the problem.

Broader Impact on Families and Communities

The stricter enforcement policies have caused stress and uncertainty for many families. People like Christopher Landry, who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for most of their lives, now face the risk of being separated from their loved ones because of old mistakes. Children, spouses, and entire communities feel the impact when a family member is stuck outside the country.

⚠️ Important
Be aware that even minor past convictions can lead to denial of reentry into the U.S. under stricter enforcement policies. Don’t underestimate the impact of old mistakes.

Immigration lawyers say that the current environment makes it more important than ever for legal residents to understand their rights and risks. “We’re seeing families torn apart over things that happened decades ago,” one lawyer explained. “It’s heartbreaking, and it’s happening more often.”

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

With the new budget and political focus on border security, experts expect these strict policies to continue through 2025 and beyond. Legal residents with any kind of criminal history should be extra careful when planning international travel. While there is hope that future laws or rules might make things easier, no changes have been announced as of August 2025.

🔔 Reminder
Always carry documents that demonstrate your ties to the U.S. when traveling, such as employment letters or family information, to help facilitate reentry.

For now, the best advice is to be prepared, know your rights, and seek legal help if you run into trouble at the border. The official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website offers up-to-date information on entry requirements and traveler tips.

Conclusion and Practical Takeaways

Christopher Landry’s story is a clear example of how stricter border enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 can affect legal residents and their families. Even a minor conviction from many years ago can lead to weeks of separation and legal headaches. The best way to avoid these problems is to review your record, clear any old charges if possible, and keep all your documents ready when traveling. If you or someone you know faces a similar situation, act quickly and get professional advice to protect your right to return home.

VisaVerge.com
Learn Today

Green card → A permit allowing a foreign national to live and work permanently in the United States.
Misdemeanor → A minor criminal offense that can still affect immigration status and border entry.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act → A 2025 U.S. federal law increasing border agents, detention centers, and deportations.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → U.S. federal agency responsible for border security and immigration enforcement.
Strong Borders Act → Canada’s 2025 law enhancing border security and expanding search powers at crossings.

This Article in a Nutshell

Christopher Landry’s denial reentry highlights stricter 2025 U.S.-Canada border enforcement targeting green card holders with old convictions. New laws fund border expansion and increase deportations. Canadian controls also tighten. Legal residents must prepare by reviewing records, considering citizenship, and seeking legal aid to prevent separation from families.
— By VisaVerge.com
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Oliver Mercer
Chief Editor
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As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
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