What was supposed to be a routine border crossing turned into a life-altering ordeal for Chris Landry, a 46-year-old father and longtime U.S. resident.
After spending some time in Canada with three of his children, Landry found himself barred from returning home to New Hampshire—despite having lived legally in the U.S. since he was three years old.
A Green Card Holder Left in Limbo
Landry, who lives in Peterborough, New Hampshire, has held a Green Card for decades and built a life, home, and family in the U.S.
But during his return from Canada last Sunday, U.S. border officials in Maine pulled him aside, questioned him about past offenses, and ultimately turned him away.
“They told me, ‘Don’t come back or we’ll detain you,’” Landry told NBC 10.
“The only way back now is through an immigration judge.”
Old Charges Come Back to Haunt Him
Landry says the issue came down to two previous charges—one for marijuana possession in 2004 and another for driving with a suspended license in 2007.
Both resulted in suspended sentences and fines, and he hasn’t had a criminal record since.
Still, after three hours of questioning, border officials made the decision.
“It was terrifying,” he said. “I felt like I was being treated like a criminal. I never expected I wouldn’t be allowed back home.”
Children Left to Return Alone
Adding to the distress, Landry’s three children—all U.S. citizens—were with him when he was turned away.
They are now preparing to travel back to the U.S. on their own, while their father remains in Canada, uncertain of what comes next.
A Shift in Political Beliefs
Interestingly, Landry was once a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and the “Make America Great Again” movement, despite being unable to vote as a Green Card holder.
But now, he says his views have changed.
“I really believed in the vision of a strong, united country for my five American children,” he explained. “But now, I feel differently.”
He blames the Trump-era crackdown on immigration for what happened to him, saying, “I’ve been torn from my family.
My life has been completely disregarded.”
Looking for Help from Lawmakers
Desperate to reunite with his family, Landry has appealed to lawmakers in New Hampshire, asking for intervention.
The office of Senator Maggie Hassan confirmed they’ve been in contact with Landry and are working to assist.
“Helping constituents navigate federal agencies is one of our key responsibilities,” Hassan’s office said.
Homeland Security’s Take on the Situation
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, holding a Green Card is considered a privilege, not a right.
A spokesperson said that previous criminal convictions can lead to mandatory detention or further review by immigration judges at the border.
“Lawful permanent residents may be subject to additional requirements when re-entering the U.S. if they have criminal records,” the agency stated.
DailyMail.com reached out to CBP for further comment but did not receive a response at the time of publishing.
Facing an Uncertain Future
Now stuck in Canada, Landry admits he doesn’t know what the future holds. “It’s just very uncertain for me right now,” he said.
His son, Caleb, even posted on Facebook that the family is considering relocating permanently to Canada to avoid being separated—though, as he noted, “That’s easier said than done.”
Landry, still grappling with the situation, concluded: “I might end up spending the rest of my life in Canada.
Who knows if I’ll ever be allowed back into the United States?”
