Tips for Canadians to avoid getting bans at U.S. border

Oct. 3, 2019 por Isolda Barrera

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In recent news, several cases of Canadians receiving 5-year bans for various reason. The border between the U.S. and Canada had always stayed neutral, and such punishments had rarely been seen before, but nowadays the CBP seems to be handing out bans almost on a daily basis and it is definitely planting fear in Canadian visitors.

CBP itself has noted that in the past months there has been an increase on what are known as expedited removals. In the northern border there have been no policy changes but CBP agents have become stricter with crossing criteria.

One of the most recent cases was that’s of Rochelle Trepanier, a tree planter from B.C., was handed a five-year ban after trying to cross the border at a different port. She was originally turned away at her first crossing point, even though she had provided documentation including cell phone bills, work stubs, and credit card information, but was not enough proof of ties to Canada. On her second attempt to enter the U.S., Ms. Trepanier was detained and handed the ban.

As well as the cases of Nick Austin, who received a ban after U.S. CBP thought he intended to illegally immigrate. Austin was moving to a new home in Canada and had a number of items in his car and claims he was only going to visit the United States briefly.

Seeing this increase in expedited removals at the U.S.-Canada border, this tips are being offered to travelers so that it can help them avoid this and other situation that might result in a ban, and be better prepared to cross the United States.

Be polite and cooperative Crossing can sometimes be a stressful situation, and Border Patrol officers can seem intimidating. But the first and foremost thing you can do is to be cooperative and always helpful with the agents for a smoother process. Answer all questions and do as told.

Know what you can and can't bring over the border Check beforehand with U.S. and Canada Customs to see what is allowed for you to bring across the border, always check before traveling with luggage.

Provide dates and don’t stay longer than needed If you say you're going to stay for a week, don't stay any longer. Unplanned extended stays could affect your ability to cross the border in the future.

Bring extra documentation for longer visits With one of the bans being given for insufficient proof, it is definitely recommended that you bring more than enough documents to proof ties to Canada. Canadians can visit the U.S. for up to six months as a tourist, but just a passport may not be enough. It's a good idea to bring documents that prove your residence or employment in Canada.

Know what's in your vehicle and/or luggage Similar to knowing what you can and can't bring with you, always make sure you’re not carrying items deemed illegal to cross at the border in your luggage or your vehicle.

Don't try and bring cannabis or CBP across the border This one should be very important. Even though cannabis has been legalized in Canada, it is still illegal in many states. Do not try and bring any cannabis products including paraphernalia like papers or pipes across the border.

Wear neutral clothing Profiling by law enforcement is an unfortunate reality, but one that any visitors to the U.S. should be ready to deal with. Wearing plain clothing and avoiding any religious symbols or items, can make crossing a bit easier.

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