Introduction

An estimated one million Canadian "snowbirds"—primarily seniors and retirees who retreat to sunny locales like Florida and Arizona during the winter months—are vital to the U.S. tourism economy, contributing billions of dollars throughout their extended stays. However, a controversial executive order by President Donald Trump is set to impose new registration requirements on these visitors as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal immigration.

The Executive Order

Dubbed the "Protecting the American People Against Invasion" order, this unprecedented measure marks the first time Canadians are specifically affected by U.S. immigration crackdowns. Legal experts call this directive misguided, arguing it could irreparably damage diplomatic relations between Canada and the U.S. "Our immigration house is on fire, and we’re worried about the curtains," noted Rosanna Berardi, a Buffalo-based immigration attorney. "This is just absurd. Snowbirds are not part of the immigration problem; they own property and contribute significantly to the U.S. economy."

Registration Requirements

This executive order, signed on Mr. Trump’s first evening in office, has flown under the radar amid a flurry of other presidential actions. It mandates that all "aliens" aged 14 and older who intend to stay in the U.S. for over 30 days must register and may be subjected to fingerprinting unless explicitly exempted. Currently, there exists no reciprocal registration requirement for Americans visiting Canada.

Concerns Over Awareness and Compliance

While immigration consultants clarify that Canadians arriving by air are already registered through the issuance of an I-94 form, those entering by land typically do not receive this documentation and will likely need to register under the new rules. Berardi expresses concern that many snowbirds might not be aware of these changes, putting them at risk for fines or legal troubles once the order is enforced. The registration portal for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is not yet operational, which adds to the uncertainty.

Economic Implications

The implications for the Canadian tourism industry could be dire. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canadian visitors provided nearly $20 billion to the U.S. economy last year. In Florida alone, they contributed approximately $6.5 billion. The tourism group warns that even a minor decline in Canadian travelers could translate into 2 million fewer visits and a loss of 14,000 jobs.

Additional Challenges for Snowbirds

This year, factors such as a weakened Canadian dollar and rising insurance costs have already pushed many Canadian homeowners to consider selling their properties in the U.S. Data from the National Realtors Association indicates that Canadians accounted for nearly 25% of foreign home sellers in Florida from April 2023 to March 2024, a notable increase from 11% the previous year. It’s projected that about half of Canadian snowbirds own property in the U.S.

Industry Reactions

Evan Rachkovsky, spokesman for the Canadian Snowbird Association, believes the full impact of the executive order won't emerge until fall, when snowbirds typically head south. Considering the poor exchange rate, inflation, and a growing movement urging boycotts of the U.S., he anticipates that more Canadians will opt for destinations outside the U.S. by 2026.

Conclusion

As Canadian citizens prepare for their seasonal migration, the unfolding drama surrounding these new regulations continues to raise questions about the future of cross-border tourism and the longstanding friendly ties that exist between Canada and the United States.