US crackdown on illegal immigration to impact many Canadian snowbirds: Report
Canadian snowbirds who drive across the border, with officials requiring visitors to stay for at least a month to register on the government's website, CTV News reported.
Rosanna Berardi, managing partner of Berardi Immigration Law in New York's Buffalo, said snowbirds who are already staying in the US should also register on the website.
In an interview with CTV News, Berardi said the new requirements will come into effect on April 11 and the US government will release a public notice online with more details on Wednesday.
She cited information from a document that the US Department of Homeland Security provided in advance to her and other members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Berardi said that the registration process is «pretty straightforward» and it is free to register. However, she mentioned that the process is «a bit lengthy.» She further said that people of Canada have been exempted from providing fingerprints.
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She expressed concern about snowbirds, especially seniors, who may find the process «confusing or difficult.» Berardi said concerned snowbirds have inquired from her about the new requirements.
Rosanna Berardi said, «It's just something they've never had to think about. Most of the time they pack up their car across the border, enjoy the winter at their condo in Boca Raton.»
She stated, «What the government's asking them to do isn't overly difficult, but it is certainly something new that's not generally on a Canadian's radar screen.»
According to the government document, they will also get proof of registration, and if they are at the age of 18 years and above, they will need to have the proof of registration with them at all times. However, she said those who will