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.
“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 🇺🇸.
Canada passes the Strong Borders Act
Federal budget bill signed, increasing border enforcement
Christopher Landry denied reentry at Houlton, Maine
Court agrees to vacate some of Landry’s old convictions
No changes announced regarding border policies
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.”
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
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