Some Canadian visitors to U.S. must register, give fingerprints, DHS rule says

A newly clarified Department of Homeland Security rule requires Canadians staying in the United States longer than 30 days to register with the U.S. government and be fingerprinted. The law, which applies to all foreign nationals 14 years of age or older, was updated on Wednesday with an interim rule to clarify that it must be applied to Canadians. Previously, Canadians were not often required to register, a note attached to the rule said.

The updated rule also institutes a universal registration form for all foreign nationals who fall under its requirements. It is scheduled to take effect April 11 after a public comment period. The rule is viewed as a partial implementation of one of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders addressing illegal immigration.

How did Canadians respond? One group that is particularly affected are snowbirds, the term used to refer to Canadians who spend their winters vacationing in the United States to avoid the cold Canadian temperatures. The Canadian Snowbird Association advised members to check their registration status and said it was working with lawmakers to create an official registration exemption for Canadians. A 2023 survey found most snowbirds stay in the United States for three months or more.

Are there exceptions to the clarified rule? American Indians born in Canada with at least 50 percent blood relation to tribes living in the United States may cross the border without completing a registration form, the rule said.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the tense trade relations between the United States and Canada.