Snowbirds must soon submit fingerprints for U.S. travel under new Homeland Security rules
Foreign nationals, including Canadians, planning to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or longer will soon be required to register and undergo fingerprinting with the Department of Homeland Security. This new rule, stemming from a Jan. 20 executive order, is set to take effect on April 11, according to reports. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this development.
Despite Canada’s historically close ties with the U.S., Canadian citizens will no longer be exempt from these regulations. Even snowbirds, who regularly spend six months of the year in the U.S., will be subject to these new requirements. Global Affairs Canada is closely monitoring the situation as these changes could impact Canadians’ travel plans.
The decision to implement these measures comes at a time when President Donald Trump’s tariff threats are straining relations between the U.S. and Canada. Montreal-based immigration lawyer Patrice Brunet describes these changes as a significant policy shift, where Canadians will now be treated like any other foreign national entering the U.S.
Individuals above the age of 14, including parents or guardians registering on behalf of their children, must create a USCIS online account to comply with the new regulations. Children under 14 are also required to register, with parents taking responsibility for signing them up.
Rudy Buttignol, president of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), expressed shock and disappointment at how snowbirds are now being treated as outsiders. He emphasized that Canadians are feeling insulted by these changes, which seem to disregard the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Once registered, travellers must carry evidence of their registration at all times while in the U.S. This requirement gives U.S. authorities the power to stop and question individuals who do not appear to be American citizens. Violations of immigration laws could result in civil and criminal penalties, such as fines and prosecution, as outlined in the executive order.
The language used in the order to describe foreign nationals who overstay their visas is notably harsh, painting them as threats to national security and a burden on taxpayers. This depiction stands in stark contrast to the typical snowbird who visits warmer states like Florida or Arizona for the winter.
Overall, these new travel requirements signal a shift in how Canadians are perceived when entering the U.S. It is essential for travellers to familiarize themselves with the registration process and ensure compliance to avoid any potential issues during their stay in the country.
