What’s Happening at the U.S. Border?
If you’re a Canadian living, studying, or working in the U.S., lawyers are advising you to avoid international travel, especially if it involves re-entering the United States.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, border crossings have become stricter and unpredictable. Even people with valid U.S. visas have been stopped, questioned aggressively, or even detained at the border.
⚠️ Why Is This Happening?
- New U.S. government orders aim to tighten border security and remove undocumented migrants faster.
- Border officers are now being more strict and aggressive, even with people who legally live and work in the U.S.
- Some are being detained for days or weeks, even for minor paperwork issues.
🧾 Real Cases to Know
1. Jasmine Mooney – A Canadian Consultant
- Held in detention for 12 days at two ICE (immigration) facilities.
- She was applying for a TN visa, which allows Canadians to work in the U.S.
- Reason for detention: Small paperwork issue.
- Result: Sent back to Canada and banned from the U.S. for 5 years.
2. Lucas Sielaff – German Tourist
- Stopped when re-entering the U.S. from Mexico with his American partner.
- Detained for 2 weeks over questions about his 90-day visa use.
3. Mahmoud Khalil – Green Card Holder
- Graduate student at Columbia University.
- Detained and green card revoked after attending protests.
- Accused of spreading “terrorist propaganda”—he says it’s because of his political views.
📱 Increased Digital Scrutiny
Border agents are now:
- Checking phones and social media activity.
- Looking for political opinions or activism that go against U.S. policies.
- Asking travellers to explain old social media posts.
Tip: Some lawyers suggest using a separate “burner phone” with minimal information when crossing.
📉 Canadian Border Travel Down
- Over 800,000 Canadians work in the U.S..
- Around 400,000 people cross the U.S.-Canada border every day.
- But since Trump took office, cross-border travel has dropped—500,000 fewer people in February.
📋 Canada’s Travel Advisory
Canada now warns:
- If you’re staying in the U.S. more than 30 days, you must register with the U.S. government.
- Be ready for longer checks and border delays.
🛑 Lawyer Advice for Canadians in the U.S.
Immigration lawyers strongly suggest:
✔️ Avoid non-essential travel to and from the U.S.
✔️ Keep documents ready and double-checked
✔️ Stay away from political protests or rallies
✔️ Don’t share sensitive opinions online that could be misinterpreted
✔️ Let someone know where you are if you do need to travel
Q1: I’m a Canadian on a work visa in the U.S. Can I go home to visit family?
A: Only if it’s urgent. Re-entry is risky—even with valid paperwork. You could be detained or denied entry.
Q2: Will my phone be searched at the border?
A: Yes. Border agents are legally allowed to check your phone, laptop, and social media.
Q3: What is a TN visa?
A: It’s a special visa that allows professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. temporarily.
Q4: Can attending a protest get me banned from the U.S.?
A: It can. If U.S. agents think your actions are against their policies, they may detain or ban you—even if you were peaceful.
Q5: What if I’m from another country but living in Canada?
A: If you’re from one of the 40 countries being considered for a new U.S. travel ban, you may face additional risk at the border—even if you live in Canada legally.
✈️ Final Word from Ask Kubeir
If you’re working or studying in the U.S. on a visa, think twice before crossing the border right now. Things are changing quickly, and even minor issues can lead to serious consequences.
📣 Stay updated by following Ask Kubeir—we’ll keep bringing you the latest immigration news in a way that’s easy to understand and relevant to you.
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.
📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”
📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services:
- (+𝟭) 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟳𝟳𝟳-𝟯𝟳𝟳𝟳 (Canada)
- +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.