The Trump administration will begin enforcing a long-standing but previously overlooked U.S. immigration law requiring Canadians who stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with immigration authorities, according to the The New York Times. The report, citing two Canadian officials who spoke anonymously, said the policy will take effect on April 11. Affected visitors will need to submit biographic information and fingerprints as part of a background check.
Who Does This Affect?
The requirement stems from the Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates that noncitizens over 14 years old register with the U.S. government and provide fingerprints if they stay longer than 30 days. While the law has existed for years, it has not been consistently applied to Canadians entering via land borders.
Under the new enforcement, Canadians staying over a month will need to create an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Those who fail to comply could face penalties. Some visitors, such as green card holders and those arriving on visas, will be exempt.
What This Means for Travelers
This change could impact Canadians who regularly visit the U.S. for extended periods, including:
- Snowbirds: Many Canadian retirees spend winters in the U.S. and may now need to register or limit their stays to under 30 days.
- Business Travelers: Canadians on long-term business trips could face new administrative hurdles.
- Extended Family Visits: Those visiting relatives for more than a month will need to comply with the registration process.
Canadians who fail to register could face penalties, though details on enforcement are still unclear.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The decision comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada, including trade disputes and new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. The Trump administration has been ramping up efforts to enforce immigration laws, and this move is part of broader efforts to secure the border and track foreign visitors.
What’s Next?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to comment or provide further details on how the registration process will be implemented. Travelers should stay informed and check official sources for updates.