As new U.S. travel ban arrives, some Canadian dual nationals are worried

Christian Kodia, a frequent traveler to the United States, is now faced with uncertainty due to the new travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump. As a dual national with citizenship in both Canada and the Republic of Congo, Kodia is unsure of what to expect when crossing the border.

“I travel to the United States of America, I would say, every weekend. I go to visit my family, I go for business, I go for friends,” Kodia expressed, highlighting the impact the ban will have on his regular travel routine.

The travel ban, targeting citizens from 12 countries including the Republic of Congo, was justified by Trump citing national security concerns. The ban extends to countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, among others. For the Republic of Congo specifically, high rates of overstaying among citizens visiting the U.S. were cited as a reason for the restriction.

This ban has left individuals like Kodia in a state of limbo, unsure of their ability to enter the U.S. even with a Canadian passport. Ottawa immigration lawyer Betsy Kane has raised concerns about the risks involved in attempting to enter the country, emphasizing the discretionary power of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

Dual nationals and individuals from the banned countries are now grappling with the decision of whether it’s worth risking their well-being to enter the United States. With the potential for detainment, questioning, and electronic device searches at the border, the uncertainty surrounding travel to the U.S. has increased.

Global Affairs Canada has issued a travel advisory warning Canadians to expect scrutiny when traveling to the U.S., including the possibility of device searches and detainment. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has downplayed concerns, labeling such incidents as isolated events rather than a pattern.

As individuals like Kodia navigate these challenges, the impact of the travel ban on personal, business, and social travel between the U.S. and the affected countries remains a pressing issue. The future of cross-border travel for dual nationals and citizens of the banned countries hangs in the balance, as they weigh the risks and uncertainties associated with visiting the United States.