If you have traveled to a foreign country after President Obama signed HR 515 / International Megan’s Law into law on February 8, 2016, please complete this survey to help gather details about the effects of this legislation. We will also share this data with the RTAG group for incorporation into their travel matrix. Thank you.
Go to International Travel Survey
I have a question to ask…and I hope someone has an answer. If a lifetime RSO from Michigan has a plan of moving overseas, let’s say in Europe or in Hong Kong. Does he need to inform the authorities that he will move abroad and has no plan of coming back? And, if the authorities would allow him to live overseas, would his name be still in the Michigan Sex Offender Registry? Or would he be removed?
@AJ
and
@NYwon’tletgo
Thank you so much! =)
My next question is…If the RSO decide to come back to visit, is there a grace period on when should he re-register? Or is it determined by the state he’s visiting? Also, do customs harass ex-pat SO as well?
Scheduled Travel to Belize.
My conviction is from 2003, Federal Courts, single count of possession of child pornography. Served 2yrs federal prison time, completed 4yrs probation, completed sex offender therapy program. As a California resident, I am required to register but I am not on the Megan’s Law website.
My passport was expired and I knew that renewing could come with the sex offender identifier. I renewed last August (2018), sending in my expired passport, and received my new passport in a timely fashion. It did NOT come with any endorsements. In fact, I had also requested a passport card as I am in California and occasionally travel to Mexico by car (never any issues going south, the usual 2-hr BS in secondary coming back north); I received the passport card as well but later read that anyone under the new endorsement law is not eligible for a card as there is no means to mark or endorse it. I was very pleased that I did not meet the requirements for a marked passport.
After my last trip to Mexico, several years ago, I did request a DHS TRIP (REDRESS) number, but I have no idea if this actually does anyone any good or not (Google it if you want to learn more).
I did some research online and reviewed the travel matrix. I learned that Belize was open to registered citizens from other countries and no one reported ever having an issue. The only negative I could find is that Belize did recently enacted their own sex offender registry. My travel friends are aware of my limitations and Belize was acceptable all around. Tours were book, airline tickets purchased, accommodations reserved.
As per SORNA, I notified my registering agency 21 days in advance of travel with our itinerary. It is unsettling that we are required by law to make this notification but there is no receipt or acceptance letter issued. I did call a few days after sending in my request and confirmed they had received it and dutifully recorded who I spoke with.
I continued to search online for issues regarding travel to Belize and, once again, only found positive reports. Some RCs even recommended Belize as a good option for international travel. I was looking forward to this as the weather there is amazing and there are many tourist activities that sounded amazing (tubing through caves, secluded beaches, zip-lining, scuba diving).
Then it happened. The airlines called. I don’t know exactly what was said because my friend was the contact person, but the jist was that the airlines was contacted by Belize and that based on an INTERPOL report I was not eligible to enter the country. This occurred 2 days prior to our departure date. The airlines, for their part, was very sympathetic and provided a refund on my non-refundable ticket. I am thankful that even though it was last minute, I was given warning. How much worse it would have been to have reached our destination airport only to be escorted immediately back onto a return flight.
I was feeling pretty confident based on my anecdotal/internet research, not being listed on our state’s website, a non-contact conviction, and received a “clean” passport. I had traveled, a few years ago, via cruise ship, to several Western Caribbean islands without difficulty (except for the usual US Customs BS). It was disheartening, of course, and just another kick by a system that really serves no purpose. I will attempt to obtain a copy of the INTERPOL report, to ensure it was at least accurate, but I’ve already read it is a difficult task to accomplish.
So, let me be the first (I believe) to report here that Belize is now a No-Go. I wonder if I will soon receive a revocation letter regarding my passport, I will update this post if I do.
It is possible to live and be happy with 290: I have custody of my children, own a business (I’ll admit getting a “job” can be difficult), have many supportive friends/family/neighbors, own my home, and am a productive member of my community. It never ceases to amaze me though at how many roadblocks are put in our way to happiness.
Good luck to all of you and I’m willing to answer any follow-up questions you might have regarding this trip (although I tried to be thorough).
And, again, for anyone just skimming the articles, I was denied entry, via phone call, into Belize in January 2019.
RTAG has retained an attorney in Mexico and is seeking to raise funds. Please see below.
From:
Date: January 14, 2019 at 9:53:58 PM CST
To: “latin Travel”
Subject: [FWD: RV: Plan of Action from Matt and Luis, Business Plan from Luis]
We put on retainer an American Lawyer based in Mexico city who will work with an immigration lawyer and Mexican Immigration to hope fully reverse the worst aspects of International Megan’s Law and how it applies to registrant travel to Mexico. Details are below. I have sent my own personal funds to get things started.
We need a total of $ 2,000 and have sent $ 500. So, small $ 10 or $ 20 donations from a few registrants is all we need. Please donate what you can and spread the word.
http://registranttag.org/donate/
Paul Rigney
Registrant Travel Action Group, Inc
rigneyp@registranttag.org
214-624-2552
———————————————————————————————————————————
Paul:
I attach a Plan of Action authored by Luis and myself, based on our discussions with you.
We are open to any further questions and are ready to provide any additional information.
Kind regards and Happy New Year,
Matt Ameika
———————————————————————————————————————————
Dear Paul Rigney:
We will thoroughly investigate the Angel Guardian program in Mexico, analyzing the effects of Angel Guardian on the local, state, and especially federal level. Then, we will present you and your organization with a comprehensive report, outlining suggested plans of action. We will also examine International Megan’s Law and Angel Watch in the United States and in Mexico, where possible.
In particular, Luis will interview Federal government members and INM (Instituto National de Migracion) officers. INM is the government organization responsible for visitors coming into Mexico. We will examine the system of “Alerts” between Mexico and the US, so that we can understand exactly how “Alerts” are assigned to an individual entering Mexico. Also, I will investigate the FBI method of reporting convicted sex crime criminals as opposed to those who are on the sex crimes registry without a conviction. We will attempt to convince Mexican authorities to understand the differences between a hardened sex crime offender and someone who was arrested many years ago for a statutory age difference resulting in a sex crime conviction in the US, as well as other distinctions. This will take time.
Most importantly, we will apply for visas for individuals in your organization based on our investigation and report. If we can convince the government to allow 5 people with a similar sex offender background into Mexico, this creates a precedent for changes in the law in Mexico. Because many visa applications will create controversy, we are ready to escalate the process if the applicant is refused. The escalation would be an “Amparo,” a lawsuit of sorts against both the authorities refusing the visa and the Mexican government. Victory in these lawsuits would pave the way for progress in admitting sex crime offenders into Mexico as tourists, family members of Mexicans, Residency visas, Refugees, and Asylum Visas.
Luis’s law firms, JAI International, has associates extremely experienced in these types of legal proceedings. The associates have agreed to take these Amparos, should they arise.
More than anything else, we will work for justice on behalf of sex crime offenders trying to enter Mexico and use every power in the Mexican, and, if necessary, American legal arsenal. As client advocates, justice is not only our job, but our belief.
Please let us know when you would like to get started. Both Luis and I stand ready for any questions you or others may have.
Sincerely,
Matt Ameika
Luis Fernández
Attorneys at Law
So, you are still in the New York SO Registry, right? But somehow, Singapore allowed you to enter in their country? That’s great! Coz according to RTAG Matrix, SO is not allowed in SN.
Do you guys think it is possible for a SO to acquire citizenship from other country? Or do you think an SO will have a problem in acquiring Permanent Residence in Europe or some Asian countries?
I did my research but I know that personal experience will give me better answers to my questions.
Thanks in advance!
I finally went in today to apply for a replacement passport for the one that was revoked last April. If you have ever been issued a passport, but don’t have the passport with you when you apply, you have to fill out a form DS-64 explaining how your previous passport was lost or stolen. Of course, mine was neither, so I left both boxes blank. When interviewed for my application, the person said “So how was your passport lost?” and I said, “It wasn’t lost – it was revoked”. She was a little taken aback, and said “So is it okay for you to have one now?”, and I said “Yes, they told me I could apply for another one”. She said “Ok”, and went ahead and processed my application. I guess she assumed it was revoked because of some bad thing I had done, but thankfully, no discussion of IML or RCs came up. I’ll post again when I actually get it and see what it looks like.
Btw, I do have permanent residency in Mexico. I got my “green card” about 5 years ago, 20 years after my “crime” but before IML. I also have a residence in Mexico, but because of IML, I have been afraid to go there for the last year (my wife has gone down a few times to check on it). For me to visit legally, I would have to give the 21 day notice, and the last thing I want is for someone to notify the Mexican government that I am coming. I want to stay far under the radar in Mexico, as we are planning to move there if and when I can get off this damn California registry.
Does anyone know if IML applies to a person that is no longer required to register? The passport marker does not seem to apply but 21 day notice may apply. Can someone please clarify and post any sources where you got this information from. Thanks guys
The two requirements that make someone subject to IML:
1) You are required to register (either locally or in some previous state that won’t let you off).
2) Your offense involved a minor (federal definition = under age 18).
If either of those doesn’t apply, you are not subject to IML.
Keep in mind: Angel Watch is not tied to IML – they could still send notices when you fly out of the country if they feel like it.
Quick summary of my situation:
1. Cal PC 647.6 (misdemeanor conviction) registered once, then moved out-of-state
2. not registered in the state i currently live (state board said i am not required to)
3. not listed on any ML websites
Now my question:
Am I still subject to IML?
Thanks for the response,very much appreciated. As far as the passport marker is concerned, I read the law and it seems to be exactly as Mike g stated. As far as the 21 days notice goes, I think it’s incorporated into sorna and it seems that there is no exemption to sorna because we are held personally liable to be compliant, whether you get off your state registry or not. I hope I’m wrong but I think we’re f*****d no matter what we do. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Hello,
Wondering if anyone has recent experience entering Croatia. It is not Schengen, and is not listed on RTag. I’m scheduled to visit there in September as part of a European tour.
Also, does anyone know of anyone being turned away from Celebrity Cruise Lines?
Thanks.
LEGAL RESEARCH
Seeking two persons to share in legal research regarding SORNA and federal jurisdiction with the sole aim of seeking freedom through researching, drafting and filing court documents for the purpose of exiting the United States to live abroad.
I signed a guilty plea agreement in 2006 for attempted lewdness with a minor and was released from prison in 2014. I am on lifetime supervision.
Persons in Nevada preferred.
Note, must have at least 3 hours a week to commit for reading and reviewing a lawful strategy.
This is NOT a quick fix solution, it is a viable solution for those desiring freedom.
PLEASE REPLY: freedombyscripture@yopmail.com (anonymous disposable email)
This is my new forums site to discuss travel matters. Please come chat.
registranttravel.freeforum.net
Here’s my experience traveling in 2018. Took approximately 6 business trips, mainly to Europe, and provided 21-day notice, though did make some last-minute changes due to client demands or cheap airfare. Never had a problem getting into Europe and went to several different countries. Only issues were when returning, though once did not have to go through secondary! When I did go through secondary, it varied from quick look through my luggage to numerous questions that felt like an interrogation. I think 3 of those times they made calls to someone (2 of them I know where to my local registration contact.) I have yet to receive any letters about passport revocation so still do not have the stamp. Not sure why, I’m Tier 1 with CP charge, given probation (my situation was a bit unique compared to most and I’ve passed all the tests – those in treatment know what I’m talking about…), have to register for about 1 more year, but not on a public/online registry. While I expect a notice to come any day, holding my breath I make it 1 more year. I’ve traveled pretty extensively, was even allowed to travel internationally for work while on probation, so I have pretty much seen it all – being denied entry to a country, removed from an outbound flight from US for questioning but then allowed to get back on the flight (that was fun!), varying degrees of secondary searches (from very minor to feeling I just got a colonoscopy), etc… So much stress and I fear traveling but have to for work.
Happy to answer any questions, but to everyone, there is hope though I worry every day it will go away and I will lose my means to provide for my family.
How long will you been on registry when you get off? What state do you live in? Been to Portugal recently? My wife and I are planning a trip there this summer and I don’t anticipate problems. I don’t have the Passport mark — haven’t traveled abroad since that started. Any place you have been admitted outside Europe? Thanks for your very encouraging report.
Has anyone been to Saipan or Guam? I may have to go there for work but I really don’t want to go into US territory. Is it as bad or worse there for registrants? Was reading up a bit on their registries but I’m not sure if by their laws I would have to register.
I just received my new “Scarlet Letter” passport today. I was slightly encouraged that the “marking” is not near as obvious as I feared it would be. It was poorly printed. The top line was fairly light and didn’t quite completely print. It looks like it says “- Bearer of this passport was convicted of a SF offense against a minor”.
I really doubt that anyone would notice the marking unless they were looking for it.
Anyway, I’ll be trying it out for the first time in April. Would like to hear from anyone who has had a negative experience directly attributed to the marking.
I just received my new passport last week. Prior to submitting the application, I had called the State Department to find out if there were special IML instructions so I was attempting to comply. The name page says endorsement on p. 27, but it is blank. I may not use it for awhile, but I am concerned about the cost RC’s are getting hit with for reissued passports. It is not my fault they didn’t print it. Could it be imbedded in the chip?
I will continue to feel that those who got new passports with no mark are lucky – until I hear of one being revoked again because of no mark. If they are really lucky, the State Department computer shows that they have a marked one, just someone forgot to print the mark – may be good for 10 years!
Obviously, the seriousness of the offence is not a determining factor. I spent only 30 days in county jail, but they didn’t forget the mark on my passport.
I received a notice in my mailbox yesterday that I have a certified lettet from the Department of State awaiting my signature verifying receipt. I assume that it is either an offer of employment or an accommodation for being an excellent representative of the United States for exhibiting exemplary respect and courtesy to other cultures.
Could I be mistaken? 🤔
I have had my charge reduced to misdomeanor (311.11a) and am off public list. Can’t get expunged due to a 2015 conviction. Even with the legal system saying I am a low risk of re offending and no previous convictions for any offense, I can’t understand how the feds can justify sending a notice to another country saying that I am a danger to commit a crime.
I simply can’t believe as smart as I am that I did this to myself! I love travel so much and it has been such a huge part of my life. I keep getting asked by friends in other countries when I will be visiting, and it kills me. I know “Fair” and “Just” are words never to be spoken on this site, but come on!
Question: who has gone to Mexico after you have Deregister and not having problems? with flying . I will be going to Mexico on April I was Deregister in 2017 hopefully everything will be ok
p.s I’m no longer in website in my home town or the national web
What are the implications of the Alabama “compelled speech” ruling on the IML?
Quick question. I know that Mexico has always been turning registrants away. I have never been, and not sure I even want to. With that being said, a friend of mine who happens to be on the registry in my state is in Cancun Mexico right now. He is on the registry for life, and is listed as a Tier 3 (which is suppose to be the “worse”)
I don’t want him to know that I know he’s on the registry, but I’m just wondering how the HELL he got in. I thought Mexico was turning ALL registrants away. He did fly into Mexico. He got there yesterday and has already checked into his Hotel. His charge is Criminal Sexual Conduct (including force and coercion) with victim 13-15. Did Mexico just so happen to overlook this by accident? Are there any others that can chime in on this?
Quick question. I know that Mexico has always been turning registrants away. I have never been, and not sure I even want to. With that being said, a friend of mine who happens to be on the registry in my state is in Cancun Mexico right now. He is on the registry for life, and is listed as a Tier 3 (which is suppose to be the “worse”)
I don’t want him to know that I know he’s on the registry, but I’m just wondering how the HELL he got in. I thought Mexico was turning ALL registrants away. He did fly into Mexico. He got there yesterday and has already checked into his Hotel. His charge is Criminal Sexual Conduct (including force and coercion) with victim 13-15. Did Mexico just so happen to overlook this by accident? Are there any others that can chime in on this?