Several Canadian snowbirds were fingerprinted and photographed at the U.S. border this month as they registered for their winter stay, a new standard procedure according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as reported 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 Oct. 9.
The snowbirds were aware of the new registration requirement for travelers staying in the U.S. for over 29 days. When a CBP officer offered to process their registration at the border, they agreed but were surprised by what followed. Jacquie Ree mentioned they were directed to secondary inspection, where their motorhome underwent a thorough search.
After waiting for 1.5 hours in line, a CBP officer informed them they couldn’t register at the border. However, a third officer intervened before their departure and completed their registration by taking their photographs and fingerprints for data collection purposes.
The couple was charged a total of $60 US for the registration process. Jacquie Ree expressed dissatisfaction with the fee, labeling it as a money-making tactic. She also found the experience frustrating due to the officers’ inconsistent understanding of the registration process.
Confusion surrounding the registration rules has escalated since the issuance of an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, mandating foreign visitors staying for 30 days or longer to register with the U.S. government. Failure to comply could lead to fines up to $5,000 US or imprisonment. This requirement has been active since April but is creating uncertainty and annoyance among Canadian snowbirds as the new season commences.
Air travelers are usually exempt from the registration rule as they receive an electronic arrival record (I-94) upon entering the U.S. However, land travelers often do not receive this record. CBP spokesperson Jessica Turner clarified that travelers, irrespective of their chosen method, will be charged $30 US each for registration at the border, where they will undergo photographing and fingerprinting as part of the I-94 application process to bolster border security and ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations.
Nexus cardholders are not exempt from the registration requirement, according to Turner. Immigration lawyers and snowbird organizations recommend an alternative method for registration if travelers are not compelled to apply for an I-94 at the border. By completing the G-325R form online within 30 days of arrival, Canadians can register without any fees or fingerprinting.
U.S. immigration lawyer Jennifer Behm noted that individual CBP officers decide whether travelers must apply for an I-94 at the border or have the option to complete the G-325R form at their U.S. destination. The conflicting experiences of snowbirds at various border crossings highlight the ongoing confusion and inconsistency in implementing the registration process.