Some Canadians visiting the U.S. must complete an “alien registration form” and be fingerprinted for the government beginning Friday.
According to the U.S. Federal Register, Canadians under the age of 14 will still be required to register but won’t need to be fingerprinted.
“The Department of Homeland Security fully supports this rule, which aligns with the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and security of the United States,” said the spokesperson. “This measure is in compliance with statutory alien registration and fingerprinting provisions.”
In an email statement last month, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that effective April 11, this rule will apply to Canadians planning to visit the U.S. for more than 30 days.
You won’t have to worry about this if you’re visiting for less time than that, are part of the Nexus program, or are travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, since your biometric info is already in the system.
Canadians who cross the border into the United States by land and stay for over 30 days don’t usually have to register with the government; however, the Secretary of Homeland Security can unilaterally change that rule.
A spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada advised Canadians to check the government’s travel advice and recommendations about entry requirements to the U.S.
“Each country decides who enters its borders. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller,” they stated.
Last week, Canada updated the U.S. travel advisory with a serious warning.
“Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders, and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States,” reads the advisory.
It stresses that individual U.S. border agents have “significant discretion” in determining if you meet entry or exit requirements and says Canadians should expect scrutiny at ports of entry, which could include searching electronic devices.
“Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation,” reads the advisory.
Recently, a B.C. entrepreneur was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S.
More Canadians have been sharing stories of hostile and abnormal experiences while crossing the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says its agents do have the authority to search a traveller’s computer, phone, camera, or other electronic devices. Terrorist activity, child pornography, drug smuggling, human smuggling, and other violations have been caught through these searches.
Canadian immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah told us that Canadians should leave their electronic devices behind if possible. She also suggests travellers use a burner phone (pre-paid phone) to protect their personal data from border agents.
“If there are any concerns about their activities on social media — if they’re an activist or they’re anti-Trump — you don’t want things showing up that could lead to more challenges,” hared Ackah.
Read a guide about everything you should know before you travel to the U.S. during these uncertain times.
