The United States plans to enforce a rule requiring Canadians staying for 30 days or more to register with authorities. Two Canadian officials who requested anonymity announced this change, which marks a shift in how the rule has been applied at land borders.
The requirement stems from U.S. immigration law, which mandates foreign nationals aged 14 or older to register and provide fingerprints if their stay exceeds 30 days. However, this rule has rarely been enforced for Canadians entering via land.
On the first day of his term, President Trump issued an executive order mandating all unregistered foreign nationals to comply with this law. The order clarified that failing to register would result in civil or criminal penalties.
Canadian officials have confirmed receiving notification of this change, which ABC News first reported. U.S. officials, including representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, have not commented on the matter.
In a follow-up statement, U.S.C.I.S. outlined plans to explain how unregistered foreign nationals could meet this requirement.
This decision comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Recent disputes have included increased tariffs on Canadian goods and President Trump’s remarks about possibly annexing Canada.
Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, later pausing it for some products. More recently, tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum were doubled after Ontario imposed charges on electricity exports to the U.S.
Last month, the administration announced that the registration rule would apply to undocumented immigrants 14 and older.
Those who fail to register or provide fingerprints may face criminal charges. However, green card holders, individuals in deportation proceedings, and those with valid visas are exempt from this requirement.
Canadian Woman Detained in Arizona
Meanwhile, a Canadian woman is being held at a detention centre in Arizona after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her family is now speaking out, hoping to secure her release.
Jasmine Mooney, 35, co-founder of the Holy! Water health drink brand was taken into custody on March 3 at the San Ysidro border crossing between Mexico and San Diego.
According to her mother, Alexis Eagles, Mooney was travelling with incomplete paperwork for a Trade NAFTA (TN) work visa after her initial visa was unexpectedly revoked.
Eagles shared that Mooney was detained at the border for three nights before being transferred to the Otay Mesa Detention Centre in San Diego, where she spent another three nights. The family later discovered she had been moved to the San Luis Detention Centre in Arizona, despite an online tracking system suggesting her release.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided detailed reasons for Mooney’s detention, citing privacy policies. A spokesperson stated that the agency enforces entry rules consistently and treats travellers with respect and professionalism.
Mooney moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 2024 on a three-year TN work visa to grow her water business. However, the visa was reportedly revoked in November when she tried to return to Los Angeles after visiting family in British Columbia.
She said the revocation stemmed from a minor administrative mistake.
Mooney’s business partner, BJ McCaslin, called her detention a “nightmare.” He told reporters, “She’s not a criminal. She was travelling to a health-food expo. Jasmine is well-respected in her field, and this situation is deeply upsetting.”
In a statement, Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is aware of the situation and is in contact with local authorities. Consular officials are assisting, but Canada cannot interfere with another country’s border policies.
