Desert shooting laws for foreigners

[SanDiego619]

Hello,

I did not want to ask this in the 2A forum because the second amendment isn't for foreigners.

If I drive out to BLM land with a buddy visiting from Vietnam can he shoot my guns? I know there are some issues with foreigners going to shooting ranges but I am not sure about if they are with an American in the desert. I do not want to take any chances, I want to make sure everything is 100% legal.

Thank you

[unusedusername]

I am not a lawyer, Yada Yada. This is worth what you paid for it. I did cite my source.

The answer depends on their visa status. If they are here on a tourist visa, then they need a hunting permit to even hold a gun. If they entered under a visa waiver program then they don't need one.

Note that "possess" means to hold or operate in this context. I understand that your friend isn't trying to buy one, but the rules are the same either way.

https://www.atf.gov/file/61841/download

Q3. May a nonimmigrant alien who has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant alien visa purchase or possess a firearm in the U.S.?
A3. An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is not prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm if the alien falls within one of the following exceptions: (1) is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued by the Federal Government, a State, or local government, or an Indian tribe federally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is valid and unexpired; (2) was admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes; (3) has received a waiver from the prohibition from the Attorney General of the United States; (4) is an official representative of a foreign government who is accredited to the United States Government or the Government’s mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States; (5) is en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited; (6) is an official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor who has been so designated by the Department of State; or (7) is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business.

Additionally:

Q5. I’m a nonimmigrant alien lawfully present in the United States without a visa. May I purchase or possess a firearm in the United States?
A5. A nonimmigrant alien who is lawfully admitted to the United States without a visa (e.g. Visa Waiver Program), may acquire or possess a firearm in the United States, provided that he or she is not prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition in the U.S.

[Milsurp1]

[nitroxdiver]

[9Cal_OC]

[pohorsky]

I wonder exactly what #5 of the first atf doc means. En route to or from a country where they are accredited means?


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[nitroxdiver]

[SanDiego619]

I am in San Diego, yes California, and that is exactly what I wanted to know. I thought there might be some law where if you were on a tourist visa you couldn't even hold a gun.

Of course we could drive to the desert and no one would know unless someone actually saw them holding a gun, but it's not worth the risk or hassle. Even if they didn't see it, they could harass us.

I don't know if a tourist can get a hunting license, and it's not even worth the trouble. If they want to shoot guns they will have to drive to Nevada I suppose.

[SanDiego619]

I wonder if that will work for CA. It's federal law, so why not?

Thank you for the info, I will do a cursory investigation but I am thinking it is not worth the hassle. The libtards of won again. How many murders did they prevent by not allowing me to take my friend shooting in the desert?

Zero.

[nitroxdiver]

[SanDiego619]

My friend, no need for an explanation, I am curious about all aspects. And also, I did not use the actual country my friend was from, so your input is helpful! Also #2, I am a fellow diver and free diver. I too am curious how they get around the federal laws, they might have an exemption or they make everyone buy hunting permits.

Take care!

[SanDiego619]

Thank you, I just looked and they do have online licenses but they are not so cheap for non-residents. I mean they are over $100 so definitely not worth it. If it was $20 maybe I would grit my teeth and pay for it after the convulsions of rage subsided...

[nitroxdiver]

My friend, no need for an explanation, I am curious about all aspects. And also, I did not use the actual country my friend was from, so your input is helpful! Also #2, I am a fellow diver and free diver. I too am curious how they get around the federal laws, they might have an exemption or they make everyone buy hunting permits.



Take care!

[RedDragon]

I haven't seen any complications at some shooting ranges I've frequented in the SF Bay Area.
Interesting question though... the desert can be pretty deserted.

[edgerly779]

They shoot at indoor ranges down here so who knows. They do not own the guns you let them use while with you.