Hello I was wondering if anyone could put my mind at ease. I have an outstanding Counsil tax bill from 2009. I lost my job and was going through a messy break up and left my rented property without informing the Counsil I was leaving. I have since logged online to my councils website to pay £50 off a £800 bill. I just wondered if this is something that could get me refused entry to the US?
Thank you
Ash
Hi, I really need some help. I'm traveling to America in June and was wondering about the finger print scanners. I did something around 2008, that I am not proud of! And the police could possible have my finger prints. I haven't being convicted of anything so when they scan my finger prints will anything happen? Also why do they scan your fingers in the first place? Thanks for the answers I really need some help 
This official UK Home Office website
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/freedom-of-information/released-information1/foi-archive-crime/13711_acess_US_info_policenatcpu?view=Html
shows that 'The United States authorities do not have routine access to criminal record information held on the Police National Computer'.
This U.S. website
http://innovya.com/2009/09/us-visit-transition-to-10-fingerprint-collection/
seems to confirm that the new U.S. 10-Fingerprint Collection system is in place to ensure that people do not enter the U.S. on false pretences; 'We’ve identified about 2,000 individuals who have tried to use a different name, a different date of birth, a different passport than the one they’re the rightful holder of, and the biometrics is what trips them up. They try to lie their way into the U.S. or lie their way to getting a visa.'
It also implies that the database is U.S. based and makes no mention of it linking to the UK Police National Computer; 'So after we take the prints we send them off to a database with about 3.2 million criminals, potential terrorists, deported felons’.
I know that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol can refuse entry to anyone they want, with or without a criminal record, making it a bit of a lottery whether or not you get in.
I wanted to post details of these websites to back up some of the unofficial claims on this forum. Hopefully this will put some people’s minds at rest as it has mine.
If anyone can find any obvious loopholes with this please let me know.
[ Edit: Edited on 19-Apr-2012, at 03:25 by pa1234 ]
Just to let you all know that my 2 friends ( both have drink driving bans from 4/5yrs ago) both got into the USA without any problems and didnt apply for a full visa.. just used the waiver scheme.
Quoting Vintageshoes
Hi, I really need some help. I'm traveling to America in June and was wondering about the finger print scanners. I did something around 2008, that I am not proud of! And the police could possible have my finger prints. I haven't being convicted of anything so when they scan my finger prints will anything happen? Also why do they scan your fingers in the first place? Thanks for the answers I really need some help
dont panic just go and dont worry, and dont say anything about it
I am a UK citizen and i was sentenced to 2 yrs in Prison about 15 yrs ago for Vehicle theft and i travel to the USA every year...
I just say no to anything mentioning criminal records and never had a problem getting an Esta or getting into the states.....
Thanks usa.traveller and hillbob YOU FINALLY just answered my question!
I am a bit unsure what to do....
I am 23 and due to travel to Florida in September to get married. In 2005 I had a reprimand for shoplifting( wasn't me but a friend I was with but I still got a reprimand and finger printed). So I am wondering whether or not to apply for esta or whether I have to go and apply for a visa.
I really do not want to be stopped in America as we are travelling with other friends and family but on the other hand I
Do not really want to spend another £200.
I have read all way through the thread and there is a lot of contradictory advice so
I am unsure
Many thanks
Hillbob, is there any chance of me getting stopped?