Canadian Travellers Spending More Than 30 Days in US Must Register With Government Under New Rules

Canadian and American flags fly near the Ambassador Bridge at the Canada-U.S. border crossing in Windsor, Ont., on March 21, 2020. The Canadian Press/Rob Gurdebeke

Canadians heading to the United States for more than 30 days will be required to register along with other foreign visitors following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office.

The requirement is part of the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order, which Trump signed on Jan. 20.

It requires any foreign visitors to the United States to register with the government and be fingerprinted.

“Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws,” the order said.

It said many illegal immigrants have committed crimes, are involved in espionage, or are planning terror-related activities.

The registration requirement came into effect on March 10, according to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The requirement comes during a time of tension between the two countries amid the United States imposing tariffs on Canadian products and Canada reciprocating.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said it was aware of the regulation.

“Global Affairs Canada is aware of the guidance recently published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services requiring foreign nationals 14 years and over to register if remaining in the US for 30 days or longer, and is closely monitoring this development,” GAC told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement.

GAC said that “each country decides who enters its borders,” adding that the decision to travel was up to the individual.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will issue registration documents for travellers, which visitors must carry and keep in their possession at all times, the U.S. government said.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that those who do not register could face fines or be charged with a misdemeanor.

Visitors to the United States were advised on Feb. 25 to create a USCIS online account to prepare for the registration process, the agency’s website said.

“Registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not establish employment authorization or any other right or benefit under the INA or any other U.S. law,” USCIS said.

It also noted that the registration requirement does not apply to those in the country with valid documentation, such as permanent residents and those with visas or employment authorization.

The requirement is expected to impact Canadian snowbirds, those who have retired and spend some of their time in the warmer U.S. states, like Florida.

The Canadian Snowbirds Association said that those registered to travel will have an electronic I-94 issued to them as proof they are permitted to travel. For those who do not have the document, the association advises them to register with USCIS.

The organization said it has been working to get Canadian travellers exempt.

“Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) representatives are currently working with Congressional representatives to amend this registration requirement and exempt Canadian travellers from having to register with USCIS,” the association said on its website.