The U.S. has notified Canada of strict enforcement of a visitor registration law for Canadians staying 30 days or longer, intensifying border scrutiny.
U.S. to Begin Strict Visitor Registration for Canadians
U.S. to Begin Strict Visitor Registration for Canadians
New enforcement of registration law marks a shift in U.S.-Canada immigration practices.
The United States has announced it will enforce an existing rule requiring Canadian visitors who plan to stay for 30 days or more to register with authorities, two unnamed Canadian officials confirmed. Previously, this law—which mandates that foreign nationals aged 14 and older, who are not already registered, must register and be fingerprinted—was not consistently enforced for those entering through land borders.
With the recent shift initiated on the first day of President Trump's term, the administration intends to treat the non-compliance of this rule as a significant civil and criminal enforcement priority. The notification to Canadian authorities, earlier reported by ABC News, reflects a broader trend of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Canada, characterized by trade tariffs and President Trump's controversial remarks about annexing Canada as the 51st state.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration placed a hefty 25 percent tariff on most Canadian imports, which was briefly paused for certain goods. Just days later, tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum were announced to be doubled in retaliation for Ontario's imposed charges on electricity exports to the U.S.
The registration requirement will also impact undocumented immigrants who haven't registered, as they may face criminal prosecution if they fail to comply. However, individuals with green cards, those in deportation proceedings, and visitors holding valid visas are exempt from this registration mandate, as stated by the Homeland Security Department.
Matina Stevis-Gridneff leads coverage for The Times from Canada, while Karoun Demirjian reports breaking news. This article has been adapted and includes insights drawn from earlier publications to inform viewers of the changing regulations impacting cross-border movement between Canada and the United States.
