Extra Scrutiny at U.S. Borders: What Canadian Travelers Need to Know

Toronto, ON – Amid growing concerns over border security and changing U.S. travel policies, Canadian immigration lawyers are advising travelers to prepare for extra questioning, carry essential documents, and consider using a burner phone when crossing into the United States.

With recent reports of travelers facing increased scrutiny or even detention at the U.S. border, legal experts say they have been inundated with inquiries about what to expect when traveling south, particularly as policies continue to shift under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Heightened Screening & Preclearance Benefits 

Heather Segal, an immigration lawyer and founding partner of Segal Immigration Law in Toronto, said her office has been flooded with questions from worried Canadians. She strongly recommends that travelers flying to the U.S. depart from an airport offering preclearance, where U.S. customs and immigration procedures take place on Canadian soil. 

“You might be detained for questioning, but you can say at any point, ‘You know what, I don’t want to travel anymore.’ As long as you give them a reasonable explanation, you can withdraw your request to enter the U.S., and they cannot detain you because you’re still on Canadian soil,” she explained. 

However, the Canadian government warns that this right to withdraw can be overridden if a U.S. preclearance officer suspects a traveler of providing false information or obstructing an officer, in which case Canadian law may apply. 

For those crossing into the U.S. at land borders, Segal cautions that travelers do not have the same protections. Once on U.S. soil, they can be detained and are subject to American laws. 

New U.S. Registration Requirement for Long-Term Visitors 

Another concern for Canadians is compliance with a new U.S. regulation requiring visitors staying for more than 30 days to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory on March 21 to reflect this change, warning that failure to register properly could create legal complications. 

Segal advises Canadians staying beyond 30 days, whether for business, caregiving, or other reasons, to ensure they have their I-94 form, which documents their entry and exit. While those flying into the U.S. receive an I-94 automatically, land travelers must request one online in advance through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. 

Concerns Over Digital Privacy 

Another key issue is digital privacy. Segal warns that U.S. customs officials have the authority to search phones, review social media activity, and even download the contents of laptops. She suggests that travelers who are concerned about privacy leave their primary phones at home and bring a burner phone instead. 

“The concept of privacy is completely different when you enter the United States,” she emphasized. “If you’re worried about sensitive information, it’s best to travel light when it comes to technology.” 

Final Takeaway: Be Prepared 

With increased border scrutiny and evolving U.S. regulations, Canadian travelers should stay informed, carry the right documentation, and be mindful of their digital footprint before heading south. Being proactive can help avoid unnecessary delays or worse, being denied entry.