A leading immigration expert is issuing a stark warning to Canadians considering travel to the United States, advising some to reconsider their plans entirely. This caution comes amid significant changes in U.S. border and immigration enforcement that have led to a noticeable increase in the detention of Canadian citizens by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Professor's Dire Advice on Cross-Border Travel
Sharry Aiken, a law professor at Queen's University with deep expertise in immigration policy, has been closely monitoring the evolving situation. "My advice actually would be don't go," Aiken stated bluntly in an interview, highlighting the heightened risks for certain travellers. She explains that shifts in U.S. policy and enforcement priorities over recent years have created a less predictable and more stringent environment at ports of entry and within the country.
The core of the issue lies in how U.S. authorities are now interpreting and applying immigration laws. Aiken points out that incidents that might have been overlooked or handled informally in the past are now more likely to trigger detention and formal removal proceedings. This applies not just to individuals with complex immigration histories, but potentially to any Canadian who may have an old, unresolved issue on record.
Understanding the Increased Enforcement Landscape
The professor detailed that the increase in ICE detentions stems from a broader U.S. government focus on interior enforcement. This means scrutiny extends beyond the border checkpoint. Canadians already inside the U.S. for work, tourism, or visiting family could be affected if they encounter law enforcement for any reason and their status is questioned.
Key factors that could lead to detention include prior criminal records (even for minor offences), past visa overstays, or inconsistencies in travel documentation. Aiken emphasizes that the threshold for action has been lowered, making travel riskier for a wider segment of the Canadian population. The legal process following a detention can be prolonged, stressful, and costly, often requiring immediate legal representation in the U.S.
Practical Implications for Canadian Travellers
For Canadians, the traditional sense of ease surrounding cross-border trips to the U.S. is being eroded by this reality. The advice from experts like Aiken is to conduct thorough personal risk assessments before travelling.
This includes:
- Reviewing your own history for any past interactions with U.S. immigration.
- Understanding that even minor legal infractions from years ago could be reassessed under current policies.
- Seeking legal counsel if there is any doubt about your admissibility.
The situation underscores the importance of being fully informed. While millions of Canadians will continue to travel south without incident, the changing policy landscape means the potential consequences of any prior issue are now significantly more severe. As Professor Aiken's warning makes clear, for some, the safest choice may be to avoid the risk altogether.
