American Pardons
American Pardons vs. Canadian Pardons
In Canada Conservative’s and Liberals’ have different views on the value of a pardon.
I might sound like a broken record but I just have to say one more time how fair and just Canada’s pardon program seems in comparison to the biased system of our neighbours to the South. If there was ever an example of political favouritism the American presidential pardon system must certainly lead the list.
I cannot understand how the President of a country can be expected to administer a pardon based on those who deserve it, rather than those who are owed a favour. I have always tried not to be a pessimist in life but I also try not to ignore the realites of human nature.
Imagine for a moment, say George W Bush, preparing a list of people deserving a pardon. Does anyone in their right mind think that list would be based on anything other than political favouritism? No of course not. Just saying so would be simple let alone trying to defend the position.
So as much as I dislike the inefficiency of government bureaucracy I have a stronger dislike for injustice. And although Canada’s pardon program can be along and tedious at times the fact that it is administered in a fair manner makes me happy because I am quite sure that if I ever needed an American pardon I don’t think my world popularity rank would get me onto the President’s list anytime soon.
Comments (10)
cory / January 13, 2012
i had a crimal record,had pardon done in canada 10 -12 years ago,but just before that went to hawaii and got sent back home ,because of the war broke out over seas,so anything person with crimal was sent back home.well i was one of them people,so back to canada i went.had all my paper work done.waiver,pardon to clear my pass,so i went back to usa again,no problem,but not now waiver run out,i talk to usa people about a pardon,they told me i cannot clear it in usa,so has anything change ,like to get it cleared ,loving vacation ,in the warm spots,just do not want to go through all the paper work to get 5 year waiver,i get lawer to do pardon for to clear this mess for good,hope to hear back…….
Birgit Davidson / January 13, 2012
Hi Cory,
You have to apply for a waiver if you want to travel to the United States. Because the US saw your record before your pardon was issued, there is really no other option.
Please let me know if you would like to proceed.
Birgit
cory / January 13, 2012
so i cannot get a pardon done in the usa,so a record in usa stays with you till i die,i had it done in canada,12 years ago or so
Michael Ashby / January 16, 2012
HI Cory,
I am a little confused. Where you arrested in the USA or in Canada? If it was in Canada you can apply for a pardon easily on our website. Just lcick the link below:
https://www.nationalpardon.org/apply/NPC_applyonline.html
If you were arrested in the USA it depends on where and what for based on my limited understanding of the American system.
Birgit Davidson / January 16, 2012
Hi Cory,
Mike forwarded me your email explaining your circumstances. Unfortunately, there is no way around the waiver requirement to enter the USA. They have your info on file and do not recognize the Canadian pardon that you have already received. You cannot apply for a US pardon for a Canadian concviction and the US doesn’t have the same pardon system in place as we do anyways.
Please let us know if you would like our assistance with your next waiver.
Birgit
cory / January 16, 2012
what do you charge to do a waiver,does it still take up to a year to do one
Michael Ashby / January 16, 2012
It does take a year to do still. Our fee is $750 tax included.
Alice / November 3, 2013
Can one obtain a pardon in Canada for a crime done and served in the United States?
Michael Ashby / November 11, 2013
Hi Aolice,
Tommy is right although with the States it would be more dependent on what state you were arrested in as some have programs for expunging misdemeanors. To my knowledge there is no program to remove Felony charges short of a presidential pardon which is next to impossible.
Kind regards,
Michael
tommy / November 10, 2013
Hello Alice. I’m not part of the national pardon, but I will try to answer this question.
As far as I know, you can only obtain a pardon from the country were you were sentenced and judged. Different countries have different laws so when ‘in Rome, you act do what the Romians do”
Have a nice day.
Tommy