'Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices'
The federal government is urging Canadians travelling to the United States to ensure they meet all travel requirements and to adhere to protocols while cooperating fully with border officials.
“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 [U.S.],” Ottawa said recently.
“Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation.”
This year, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a trade war against Canada, imposing tariffs on a number of goods. And the Canadian side has retaliated.
According to the federal government, Canadian citizens travelling by air to the U.S. must present one of the following documents:
Meanwhile, as per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the U.S. by land or water:
Also, Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the U.S. for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the U.S. government.
“Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution,” said the Canadian government. “You should consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to determine if you need to register with USCIS and how to do so. You can verify if you have been automatically registered on entry to the U.S. by looking up your I-94 admission form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.”
Ottawa said that they acquired details about the requirements from the U.S. government. However, these can change at any time.
“Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada,” noted the Canadian government.
“Authorities may request proof of legal status in the U.S. at any time,” said the Canadian government. “Be prepared to show evidence of your legal presence in the U.S.”
Recently, Quebec’s Université de Montréal advised staff to notify their employer before travelling to the U.S. and to discuss potential risks in advance. The travel advice came after workers and students expressed concerns amid reports of detentions and denial of entry into that country in recent weeks, according to the Canadian Press article posted in the Montreal Gazette.
In March, Jasmine Mooney, a businesswoman and former actress, attempted to enter the U.S. at a border crossing near San Diego. However, she was detained for about 12 days before being sent back to Canada, according to a CTV News report.
However, one British Columbia-based immigration lawyer said that border agents are assessing whether the traveller aligns with the U.S. administration and its policies, according to a separate CTV News article.
“The issue is that border officers have full discretion in order to grant somebody admission, and they can deny somebody admission for any reason,” Cindy Switzer said in the report.
The lawyer’s comments came after a French scientist was denied entry to the U.S. after border agents read the contents of his cellphone. The scientist was deported after border officials accused him of having “hateful” messages against U.S. policy, according to the report.
In his second term as US president, Trump has moved to overhaul the US immigration system and promised "mass deportations,” according to a BBC report.
