Snowbirds must soon submit fingerprints to US travel under new homeland security rules
Canadians and other foreign nationals who plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more will be required to apply for registration and fingerprint with the Department of Homeland Security.
According to media reports, the executive order originated from January 20 is expected to take effect on April 11. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) failed to respond to a request from CBC News through publication time.
Although Canadians have long benefited from some U.S. travel laws due to their close ties to these countries, citizenship alone will not exempt new regulations, including snowbirds.
A spokesman for Canadian Global Affairs said it is “closely monitoring this development”.
These changes have occurred as President Donald Trump’s tariff threat continues to endanger the economies of the United States and Canada.
Montreal-based immigration lawyer Patrice Brunet
Any foreign national over 14 who needs to register or submit an application on behalf of their children must create one USCIS Online Account. For more information on how to create an account, see USCIS website.
This requirement applies to children under the age of 14, but the parent or guardian is responsible for signing them.
Snowbirds are “seemed as aliens”
Rudy Buttignol, president of the Canadian Association of Retirees (CARP), said that snowbirds, who regularly visit the United States for six months in the year, often “was really shocked to be treated like foreigners,” after the community south of the community was established.
“I heard that people are not only angry, but also insulted,” Buttignol said. “With the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, it seems to be a purpose to stimulate Canadians’ intentional attempt.”
Examples of registered persons include permanent residents of U.S. and foreign nationals who have received employment authorization documents, transit cards, and immigrant or non-immigrant visas. Foreign nationals who receive the I-94 or I-94W form are also exempted, even if the listed period is listed.
Always carry a registration certificate
After DHS provides evidence of registration to adult travelers, they will be required to carry them at all times
Brunet noted that the order incited American police to “stop anyone who seems not American, it’s just anyone.”
A statement from the White House issued on January 20 explained that people who violate immigration laws face civil and criminal penalties such as fines and prosecutions.
It seems that any trip to Canada for more than 30 days on land on the U.S. is now required to be registered with the U.S. government and fingerprinted.
Brunette refers to the “hard language” used Executive Order Describe foreign nationals with overdue visas.
The document titled “Protecting the American People from Invasion” claims that many people in the United States illegally “pose a significant threat to national security and public safety” and that “their presence in the United States has caused billions of dollars in fees at the federal, state and local levels.”
“It’s very different from the typical snowbird that goes to Florida or Arizona in winter,” Brunette said.
