Several Canadian snowbirds have shared their experience of being fingerprinted and photographed at the U.S. border this month during the registration process for their winter stay, as confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to CBC News. Jacquie and Steve Ree from Ladysmith, B.C., encountered this new requirement when they crossed the Peace Arch Border Crossing on Oct. 9.
The Rees were aware of the mandatory registration for travelers extending their stay beyond 29 days in the U.S. They agreed to complete the process at the border, not anticipating the extent of the procedure. They were directed to a secondary inspection where their motorhome underwent a thorough search.
After waiting for 1.5 hours, they were initially informed by one CBP officer that registration couldn’t be done at the border. However, a subsequent officer offered to register them, capturing their fingerprints and photographs for data collection. The couple was charged a total of $60 US for the registration.
Jacquie Ree expressed her views on the process, describing the fee as excessive and highlighting the confusion among CBP officers regarding the registration of travelers. She mentioned feeling empathetic towards the officers due to their uncertainty.
The registration rules stem from an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, mandating foreign visitors staying over 30 days to register with the U.S. government. Failure to comply could result in fines or imprisonment. While the requirement has been in place since April, many Canadian snowbirds are encountering these regulations for the first time this season, leading to uncertainty and frustration.
Air travelers are usually exempt from this registration as they receive an electronic arrival record (I-94) upon entry, unlike land travelers who often face challenges in obtaining this record. CBP emphasizes that travelers, regardless of the registration method chosen, will incur a $30 US fee for the process, including fingerprinting and photography, aimed at enhancing border security and compliance with U.S. entry regulations.
Immigration lawyers and snowbird organizations suggest an alternative for travelers to register online using a USCIS form called G-325R if CBP officers do not require immediate registration at the border. This online registration does not involve any fees or fingerprinting for Canadians and must be completed within 30 days of arrival.
The process has led to confusion among travelers, with varying experiences reported at different border crossings. While some travelers were automatically directed for registration at the border, others were not offered the alternative online registration option. The involvement of two separate immigration agencies, CBP and USCIS, has contributed to the lack of clarity in the registration process.
Stephen Fine, the president of Snowbird Advisor, expressed concerns about travelers being compelled to register at the border without being informed of the online registration option. He highlighted the need for clear communication from CBP officers to offer travelers the choice between immediate registration and online registration post-entry.
Snowbirds like Brenda Paige, who underwent the registration process at the border without being presented with an alternative, shared their compliance with the requirements, emphasizing a willingness to abide by the regulations. Canadians already in the U.S. can verify their I-94 status on the CBP website to ensure compliance with entry requirements.
