An elderly Montreal woman who recently tried to travel to the United States was denied entry at the border because of confusion over her status a Canadian citizen.
Jiok Do Tan, 79, was on her way to Peru, New York, with her niece and nephew last weekend.
When they arrived at the Lacolle border, Tan realized she had forgotten her passport.
Since June 1, passports are mandatory to cross into the U.S. -- although border officials say there is a grace period.
Tan showed border officials her Quebec health insurance card, and assumed that would be enough.
But according to Michael Tan, Jiok Do's nephew, a border official said there was a problem after punching in her information.
"She said 'According to the record, your aunt is a permanent resident.' I said 'That's impossible, because she's been here for 34 years, and she's been a citizen for 30 years.'"
The border official's response: "Who do you want me to believe? You or your government?"
Tan -- who is in fact a Canadian citizen -- said she was then detained, fingerprinted and photographed.
She was eventually released, but was told that she would not be allowed to cross the border.
U.S. officials wouldn't comment on the specific case, but said it is standard to photograph and fingerprint anyone they suspect may be carrying false documents.
Tan said the whole incident made her feel like a criminal.
"I want to erase that record...to clear my name," she said.
