I went to Canada from the US back in 2002 and the form I filled out for the Canadians asked if I ever be arrested, I checked yep and in the space provided the date charge and disposition. It was a disorderly contuct charge and a fine paided. Well the Canadian Customs and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took me in to an office for a little chat. The reason for the chat was to show me that when they ran the check it came up. Most people say no to anything more than five years. We though it was interesting that you would mention something that happed 29 years ago. Had a really nice visit. I was surprised it was still in the record since I had paid a lawyer to get it removed.
As for US being a Police State, that is BS and you know it. I guess we are suppose to just let anyone come here and do what every they what when they want if some citizen gets killed or murdered well just suck it up and live with it. They have been real lucky that we did not respond with our Missle Boats(SSBN's 24 tubes 9 warheads on each missle, Four boats would have settled the matter.) rather than having you just fill out an extra form or two and prove that you are who you say you are.