Resolving issues at US immigration related to a dropped driving charge

I used to live in the US about half a decade ago now, green card holder through (thankfully terminated) marriage. During that time, I was pulled over for speeding, and then further hit with "not using headlights" (it was in light rain, fair enough I suppose) and "driving without a license".

The latter of these was dropped by the state for two reasons: 1) I was in possession of a perfectly valid EU licence, but the officer who pulled me over mistook the date at which I no longer required the (A) plate on my car, for the expiry date of the licence; and 2) I obtained a US driving licence between being pulled over and the court date.

However, since then, every time I have entered the US I have been pulled aside into what I jokingly call the "room of people to deport" for questioning. It takes an hour, usually more, to finally get called forward, only to spend ten seconds explaining that while I was arrested the charge was dropped, before being sent on my way.

I have since left the US, but even when I visited again I still got pulled aside.

What can I do to get to the point where I stop getting pulled aside for a dropped charge? Is there a length of time after which it won't matter, or will they actually update their records to show it was dropped, or do I have to actively do something to make this happen?

usa customs-and-immigration

Best Answer

You could try going through the DHS TRIP (Traveler Redress Inquiry Program) process: "a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs—like airports and train stations—or crossing U.S. borders." It's recommended for people who "have been repeatedly referred to additional (secondary) screening," which is you.

It's a weird opaque process, where you fill out a form and wait several months and likely receive little information as a result, with no real guarantee it will be effective, but it's free and could help keep you from getting sent to secondary every time.

If you plan to keep your permanent residency (this is a concern since you say you have left the US), you could apply for Global Entry. The eligibility requirements require that you not have been convicted of a criminal offense, but things like simple speeding and failure to use headlights are normally considered infractions and not a problem. The downside is that you have to pay the fee and go through the cumbersome application process (including an interview at an enrollment site), and you're out of luck if you're denied. But it's an option to consider that might get you considered "trusted" in the eyes of CBP.