U.S. to force Canadians visiting for over 30 days to register as 'aliens'

Canadians who plan to visit the United States for longer periods will soon need to register their information with President Donald Trump's government.

In an email statement sent on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that effective April 11, certain Canadians planning to visit the U.S. for longer than 30 days will be required to complete an "alien registration form" and get fingerprinted.

According to the U.S. Federal Register, Canadians under the age of 14 will still be required to register but won't need to be fingerprinted

"The Department of Homeland Security fully supports this rule, which aligns with the Trump Administration's ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and security of the United States," said the spokesperson.

The DHS notes that this rule will not affect Canadians visiting for less than 30 days. It also won't impact Canadians who are part of the Nexus program or those travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, as these travellers have already submitted their biometric identification as part of the programs.

"This measure is in compliance with statutory alien registration and fingerprinting provisions," said the spokesperson.

Canadians who cross the border into the United States by land and stay for over 30 days don't usually have to register with the government; however, the Secretary of Homeland Security can unilaterally change that rule.

Global Affairs Canada told us that it's aware of the new guidance and is "closely monitoring this development."

A spokesperson advised Canadians to check the government's travel advice and recommendations about entry requirements to the U.S.

"Each country decides who enters its borders. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller," stated the spokesperson.

This new measure comes amid the trade war between Canada and the U.S.

On Wednesday, Trump doubled tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum products. Canada announced $29.8 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs in response.

Canadians who like to visit the U.S. to shop are also being hit hard by these tariffs, with the federal government slapping a surtax on certain American goods when re-entering Canada.