Snowbirds from Canada will soon be subject to new federal rules
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Canadians who visit the Coachella Valley and stay for long periods of time will soon have to deal with new immigration requirements.
Under new Department of Homeland Security rules, all foreign nationals who plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or longer will soon be required to apply for registration and fingerprinting starting April 11. Canadian visitors are exempt from fingerprinting.
That is not sitting well with local snowbirds, because the norm has been that Canadian citizens are able to come and go to the U.S. without a visa.
“It’s ridiculous that we have to do this... We don’t need to come here. We love the weather but there are other places we can go and we will if we’re not welcome here."
Jason Volk, visiting from Alberta
“The Trump government is making it very uncomfortable for us Canadians, that’s the way we feel about it, with the tariffs and now this. We don’t feel welcome anymore.”
Greg Sibbald, visiting from British Columbia
Some are even reconsidering further travel to the U.S.
"We sold our lot. We sold it yesterday actually.”
Greg Sibbald, visiting from British Columbia
“If we can’t come back, if there are too many issues, we’ll be selling our lot here and Canada is beautiful, we’ll start traveling around Canada.”
Sheree Byer, visiting from British Columbia
Approximately one million Canadian snowbirds flock to the U.S. annually, contributing significantly to local economies like the Coachella Valley.
“We spend millions of dollars in this economy as tourists and the same is not true. Americans are not flocking to our country to spend money... It’s not going to be good for restaurant owners, the landscape people, the impacts are far-reaching.”
Jason Volk, visiting from Alberta
The changes come as President Donald Trump's tariff threats continue to jeopardize both the U.S. and Canada's economies and relations.
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