A stricter approach to border security under the Trump administration has led to a rise in detentions and deportations of Canadians crossing into the US, according to immigration lawyer Len Saunders.
Saunders, who is based in Blaine, Washington, claims that there have been more reports of Canadians being detained or green card holders facing deportation since the new policies took effect. This trend has reportedly caused unease among Canadians, with noticeably fewer people driving south across the border over the past few weeks.
“This seems to be a significant shift from low-enforcement under the previous administration,” Saunders said in an interview with 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver. “It’s almost like they’re going on steroids now.”
Saunders believes that this trend may continue for the next four years and is warning Canadians to exercise caution when traveling across the border.
“It’s not uncommon for border officials to search your phone, but I think it’s essential to double-check what you have on your device before crossing,” Saunders advised. “If there are any concerns or social media posts that might be misinterpreted, it’s better to err on the side of caution.”
Saunders’ warning comes as Canadians share their experiences online, including a case in which Jasmine Mooney was detained for two weeks while applying for a work permit at the US-Mexico border. This has led some Canadians to reconsider their travel plans to the US.
To avoid potential issues, Saunders suggests flying from Canada into the US rather than driving across the border. He also notes that if you do decide to drive and feel uncomfortable during the immigration process, you can always ask to leave at any point.
“It’s a good idea to know your rights and be prepared for increased scrutiny,” Saunders said. “If you’re not comfortable with the situation, you can leave at any time.”
In light of these developments, Canadians planning to travel to the US should take precautions and consider alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
Source: Vancouver City News
