U.S. Issues Alien Registration Requirement for Month Long Visitors

Snowbirds and anyone else looking to spend an extended time in the U.S. may face an additional hurdle. For those who aren’t fazed by the exchange rate or escalating trade hostilities, the newly required registration is just one more step to spending the winter in the sunny south.

The “Alien Registration Requirement“ is part of an executive order known dramatically as “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” issued by the American president.

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) advises those already in the U.S. and those planning to be there for longer than 30 days to check their visa status on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. CTV News reports that this applies mainly to those who drive across the border, as air passengers are already subject to registration. 

Anyone 14 years old or older without a visa will be required to register. The form is not yet available, but the U.S. government advises anyone subject to the alien registration requirement to create a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) account ahead of time so they are prepared. The website warns that "failure to comply will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines."

The USCIS website states “Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their possession at all times.” The fingerprint requirement appears to be waived for Canadians.

The website also states that “American Indians born in Canada [sic] who entered the United States under section 289 of the INA.” are not required to register and that more information will be shared in the coming days. 

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