Was in the usa in 1987 and overstayed holiday visa?

Question

went back in 1998 without a visa had no problem getting back in.is it a big risk going back again on the waiver program this year

Answer 1

Big risk?  Probably not.  The record keeping in 1987 was not near as good as it is now.  

Of course, are you eligible for the Visa Waiver Program? .... no.  So, if they have a record of the overstay just understand you'll be held in detention and sent back on the next available flight.

Answer 2

The visa waiver program was introduced in 1986 with the aim of facilitating tourism and short term business visits to the United States, and allowing the Department of State to focus consular resources on addressing higher risks to the U.S.

If you used it in 1987 and stayed longer than you were authorized, you are no longer eligible to use the program. If you used a visa in 1987, then the overstay can be forgiven, but a violation of the terms of the VWP cannot be forgiven.

If the alien previously was admitted without a visa under the VWP, the alien must not have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission as such a nonimmigrant.

If you have a previous violation on your record, no matter how old, you need a visitors visa to enter the U.S. as a visitor.