Canadian snowbirds in Yuma react to tightening immigration rules
YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — The U.S. is tightening immigration rules, affecting Canadian travelers.
Typically, Canadians are allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to six months without a visa.
However, a new enforcement measure, introduced through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, enforces the Immigration and Nationality Act. It mandates that all foreign nationals aged 14 and older register with the U.S. immigration services if staying longer than 30 days. Some will even be required to submit fingerprints.
The new rule is drawing mixed reactions from the Yuma Canadian snowbird community. “Oh, I won’t be back next year, no,” said Bruce Henry, a Canadian citizen.
Henry said the U.S. government’s recent actions have not felt very neighborly. “It’s just not what you do; it’s like burning your neighbor’s house down,” said Henry.
After years of spending his winters in Arizona, Henry said he will be taking a break from the U.S. next year. “We’re going to do other things and we’re going to do them in other places.”
Nearly 1 million Canadians visit Arizona each year, contributing significantly to the state’s economy, but this could now be affected. “I’ve talked to folks who have tried to put their property on sale to make sure they don’t come back,” said Norm Duquette, a Canadian snowbird.
Duquette said he doesn’t mind completing the so-called Alien Registration Requirement. “If I’m playing in someone’s yard, they want to know who I am, why I’m there and how long I’m there for, it makes sense,” said Duquette.
Foreign nationals can register by creating an account online with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and submitting a form. The new rule is set to take effect on April 11.
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