Immigration expert says Canadian visa program helps illegal immigrants enter U.S.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Romanian illegal immigrants crossing the border into the United States from Canada. According to immigration expert Mark Krikorian, this trend can be attributed to the relaxed visa requirements for Romanians traveling to Canada. In 2017, Canada lifted visa requirements for Romanian nationals, making it easier for them to enter the country. This has led to an influx of Romanians using Canada as a stepping stone to reach the United States.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection data from the Houlton Sector in Maine shows that Romanians accounted for less than 1% of border crossings in fiscal 2023, but this number increased to nearly 12% in fiscal 2024. Out of 344 illegal crossings in the sector, 40 individuals were identified as Romanian nationals. The Houlton Sector, located in northeast Maine bordering New Brunswick, Canada, has become a popular entry point for Romanian migrants.

Krikorian speculates that Romanians may be trying to reunite with family members in large cities across the United States. The ease of travel on I-95, which runs through Houlton, may facilitate their journey south to connect with relatives. While Italy and other European Union countries are more common destinations for Romanian migrants, the United States offers greater opportunities for those seeking a better life.

However, with the upcoming changes to visa requirements for Romanian nationals, Krikorian anticipates a shift in the pattern of illegal immigration. Romanian nationals will become eligible for the Visa Waiver Program at the end of March, allowing them to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. This change is expected to reduce the number of illegal Romanian immigrants while potentially leading to an increase in visa overstays.

Overall, the evolving landscape of immigration policies and visa requirements will continue to shape the flow of Romanian migrants into the United States. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for authorities to monitor and address any potential challenges that may arise from these changes in immigration patterns.