U.S. tightens stay rules for Canadians

The United States will require Canadians visiting the country for more than 30 days to report to authorities and register their fingerprints, the Federal Register, amid trade tensions with their northern neighbor.

Until now, Canadians crossing the northern border by land and staying more than 30 days in the U.S. did not have to register. According to the report, in the case of those already in the country they will have to complete a new form G-325R.

The new requirement, which would take effect on 11 April, will affect between 2.2 and 3.2 million people, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This is especially true for the many Canadian retirees who spend the winter in the southern United States, with an estimated 900,000 Canadians in this situation.

Willful failure or refusal by an alien to apply for registration or to be fingerprinted will be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, the Federal Register said.

Tension between the U.S. and Canada

The new information comes to light amid tariff disputes between the US and Canada in recent days.

President Donald Trump reversed an escalating trade war against the neighboring country on Tuesday after threatening a massive increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, up to 50%, as well as new tariffs on electricity from the neighboring country.

Before Trump reversed the threat, Canada confirmed the suspension of the 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota and New York.