I have been ranting about the abuses of this practice for some time and was glad to see John Oliver use it as the basis for his latest investigative report on Last Week Tonight. (As an aside, actor Jeff Goldblum seems to like making goofy cameo appearances on these comedy shows.)
Here in Minnesota civil forfeiture requires a conviction.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/american-shakedown-police-won-t-charge-you-but-they-ll-grab-your-money-1.2760736
Yes, but that’s a recent development.
PS -- why would anybody desire to visit the USA. I even refuse any flight from Canada or return that touches a US airport.