Several Canadian snowbirds have reported being fingerprinted and photographed at the U.S. border this month during their winter stay registration process, a new standard procedure according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as confirmed by CBC News. Jacquie and Steve Ree from Ladysmith, B.C., crossed the Peace Arch Border Crossing between Surrey, B.C., and Blaine, Wash., on October 9. Aware of the new registration requirement for longer stays in the United States, the snowbirds agreed to complete the process at the border, not expecting the extensive procedures that followed.
Upon arrival, the Rees were directed to secondary inspection where their motorhome underwent a thorough search. Jacquie Ree expressed surprise at the level of scrutiny, stating they waited in line for 1.5 hours before being informed by a CBP officer that they could not register at the border. However, a subsequent officer offered to register them, initiating the fingerprinting and photographing process for data collection purposes. The couple was charged a total of $60 US for the completed registration, a fee Ree criticized as a cash grab, citing the officers’ inconsistent guidance and lack of clarity throughout the procedure.
The confusion surrounding the registration rules stems from an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, mandating foreign visitors staying 30 days or longer to register with U.S. authorities. Failure to comply could result in fines up to $5,000 US or imprisonment. Although the requirement has been active since April, many Canadian snowbirds are grappling with the regulations for the first time this season, leading to uncertainty and frustration among travelers, especially land arrivals, who do not receive an electronic arrival record like air travelers.
CBP spokesperson Jessica Turner explained that regardless of the registration method chosen, travelers are obligated to pay a $30 US fee for the application process, including photographing and fingerprinting at the border, a crucial part of the I-94 application. Turner emphasized that these measures are essential under U.S. immigration law to bolster border security, verify traveler identities, and ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations. The registration mandate extends to Nexus cardholders as well.
In cases where travelers must register, immigration lawyers and snowbird organizations suggest an alternative method of completing the USCIS G-325R form online at the destination within 30 days of arrival for Canadians, exempt from fees and fingerprinting requirements. Attorney Jennifer Behm highlighted the discretion of CBP officers in determining registration methods, with some travelers directed to secondary inspection for fingerprinting and photographing automatically, while others are given the option of the G-325R form at the border or destination.
Individual experiences vary, with snowbirds like Brenda Paige and her husband, Dan, encountering mandatory fingerprinting and photography without mention of alternative registration methods at the Sweet Grass, Mont., border crossing. Conversely, travelers like Caroline Horne from Burlington, Ont., had a smoother entry without registration instructions at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, N.Y. The confusion surrounding registration options is attributed to the involvement of separate immigration agencies, CBP, and USCIS, as explained by lawyer Behm, leading to differing enforcement practices and traveler experiences.
As snowbirds navigate the evolving registration process, Stephen Fine, president of Snowbird Advisor, anticipates addressing growing inquiries and potential challenges faced by travelers this season. While some snowbirds adjust to the new requirements, concerns persist over inconsistent enforcement and limited registration options at border crossings, underscoring the need for clear guidelines and streamlined procedures to enhance traveler experience and compliance with U.S. entry regulations.