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Canadians and other foreign visitors intending to stay in the United States for a duration of 30 days or more will soon be required to complete a registration process and undergo fingerprinting through the Department of Homeland Security. This new proposal, originating from an executive order issued on January 20, is anticipated to take effect on April 11, as reported by various news outlets. However, there has been no response from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as of the time of this report.
Traditionally, Canadians have been granted certain exceptions regarding travel regulations due to the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. However, under the forthcoming regulations, citizenship will no longer provide an exemption for travelers, including those who fall under the category of snowbirds.
A representative from Global Affairs Canada has stated that they are monitoring this situation closely.
This development occurs amid ongoing tensions resulting from President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, which pose a risk to both American and Canadian economies.
Montreal immigration lawyer Patrice Brunet characterized these changes as representing a significant policy shift, suggesting that Canadians will, for the foreseeable future, be regarded as “regular citizens coming from any other country” instead of as allies from Canada.
All foreign nationals aged 14 and older who need to register or file an application for their children must set up a USCIS online account. Details regarding the account creation process are accessible on the USCIS website.
This requirement extends to minors under the age of 14, with parents or guardians held responsible for their enrollment.
Snowbirds ‘treated like aliens,’ advocate says
Rudy Buttignol, who serves as president of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)—an organization representing approximately 250,000 members across Canada—expressed his concern over how snowbirds who often spend six months in the U.S. feel “shocked to be treated like aliens,” especially after establishing roots in their communities across the border.
Buttignol mentioned that feedback from Canadians indicates a widespread feeling of insult due to these changes. He added, “I’m hearing that people are not only annoyed, but they’re also insulted. Together, with the notion of Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, this seems like a deliberate attempt to irritate Canadians.”
Individuals already registered may include permanent residents of the U.S. and foreign nationals who possess employment authorization documents, border crossing cards, or various visa categories. Additionally, those with expired I-94 or I-94W forms remain exempt from this requirement.
Carrying proof of registration at all times
After the Department of Homeland Security provides evidence of registration to adult travelers, they will be obliged to carry this documentation at all times while in the U.S.
Brunet highlighted that this order could encourage U.S. law enforcement to “stop anyone who appears not to be American, which essentially includes anyone.” A White House statement from January 20 noted that individuals violating immigration laws may face civil and criminal penalties, including fines and prosecution.
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The implications of this policy suggest that any Canadian intending to travel overland to the United States for more than 30 days now faces the requirement to register with U.S. authorities and undergo fingerprinting procedures. Brunet underscored the “harsh language” in the executive order, which characterizes foreign nationals who overstay their visas as presenting significant threats to national security and public safety. The document asserts that their presence incurs considerable costs to taxpayers at all levels of government.
Brunet further noted, “It’s very different from the typical snowbird that goes to Florida or Arizona for the winter.”
Source
www.cbc.ca