Peace Arch without exiting USA
For the purposes of this question, assume I am of a legal status which prevents me from exiting the US. If I was to identify myself to CBP, I run a high risk of being denied entry and/or having my status invalidated. I have a friend who I would like to visit, but they're unable to secure a US Visa, though they can secure a Canadian one.
My friend and I decide to meet at the Peace Arch (Washington-BC crossing), and my friend crosses over to the US side of the park, but I do not.
Would it be possible to meet this friend, exchange pleasantries, and perhaps a hug, without technically exiting the US from the eyes of US immigration? Would I have to talk to CBP when I leave the park?
Best Answer
My understanding is that people entering the park from either the Canadian or US side can go to both sides of the park without going through any immigration checks, as long as they exit the same way they came. Yes, in the park you can meet people that came in from the other side. This news article mentions that Iranian family members, some of whom couldn't leave the US and some of who couldn't enter to the US, have met at the Peace Arch (in addition to the Haskell Free Library).
But if you meet someone who came in from the other side, there is a good chance they may check your belongings when you come back out, to make sure the other person didn't give you any items without going through customs.
Pictures about "Peace Arch without exiting USA"
Can international students go to Peace Arch Park?
The entire park is neutral territory. You can visit and cross over the actual boundary line within the park back and forth with no concerns. They only check passports when you're in the other side of the actual park.Can you walk across the border at Peace Arch?
Can pedestrians cross the Peace Arch border by foot? Yes, between the border stations is the Peace Arch Park. This park allows visitors to cross the border on foot as long as they stay within the confines of the park.Can you still visit Peace Arch Park?
A once busy cross-border park located remains closed off on the Canadian side, and there is no timeline for it to reopen anytime soon. Peace Arch Park was an unofficial meeting place for Americans and Canadians to meet in the middle, as it is an \u201cinternational park\u201d and was built on the 49th parallel.Can I visit Peace Arch Park without passport?
If you are in the USA you enter the park BEFORE crossing over to CANADA. You do not go through Customs to enter the park . You are permitted to go through customs to enter Canada on foot if you have the necessary documents. If you only go into the park you do NOT need a passport.USA, Canadian border audit peace arch usa.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: jimmy teoh, Charlotte May, Karolina Grabowska, Charles Parker