What you need to know about U.S. travel as detentions rise
Apr 2, 2025
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Vanmala Subramaniam, a reporter for The Globe and Mail, sheds light on the alarming trend of Canadians being denied entry to the U.S. since the Trump administration tightened immigration policies. She discusses a Canadian woman detained for a visa renewal and highlights the surge in scrutiny, particularly against activists. Subramaniam also examines the legal framework for electronic device searches at borders and offers guidance on crossing safely, emphasizing the precarious situation for Canadians with work visas amid evolving regulations.
Jasmine Mooney's detention underscores the rising trend of non-U.S. citizens, even those with valid visas, being denied U.S. entry.
Changes in U.S. border policies have led to increased scrutiny for specific groups, notably those with dissenting political views.
Deep dives
Increased Border Detentions
The experience of Jasmine Mooney highlights a troubling trend where non-U.S. citizens, even those with valid visas, are increasingly being detained at the U.S. border. Mooney's case exemplifies the confusion surrounding the requirements for crossing the border, as she was detained despite having complied with immigration regulations for years. Immigration lawyers report a surge in calls from clients experiencing similar issues, indicating a shift in border officials' approach towards travelers. This issue is not limited to specific individuals, but signals a broader pattern affecting many Canadians attempting to cross into the U.S.
Legal Changes Under the Trump Administration
Significant legal changes under the Trump administration have led to stricter scrutiny and detention protocols at the U.S. border. The issuance of executive orders aimed at securing the border has empowered immigration and customs enforcement agents, allowing them to detain individuals who might previously have been allowed entry. These changes have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, particularly for tourists and business travelers who face arbitrary detainments and heightened questioning. Immigrant advocates express concern that this has made it riskier for non-U.S. citizens to travel, directly impacting their rights and freedoms.
Targeted Groups and Free Speech Issues
Certain groups are experiencing heightened scrutiny at the U.S. border, particularly those involved in political activism or dissent against the current administration. Individuals from countries mentioned in proposed travel bans are at greater risk of being interrogated or detained, reinforcing a pattern of discriminatory enforcement based on nationality or political beliefs. High-profile cases, such as the revocation of green cards for activists like Mahmoud Khalil, exemplify the chilling effect on free speech and political expression. These developments raise alarms about the erosion of civil liberties in the name of national security, prompting fears about the future of dissent in America.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, immigration lawyers have reported seeing a rise in non-U.S. citizens being denied entry. At the beginning of March, Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian who had previously been able to obtain a U.S. work visa, was detained for nearly two weeks when she tried to renew her visa. European tourists have been detained at the border, and Canadians born in Iran and Afghanistan have been increasingly turned away at the border.
The Globe’s Vanmala Subramaniam spoke to immigration lawyers about what Canadians living and working in the U.S. should do, given the situation at the border. Today, she’s on the show to talk about why we’re seeing this increase in Canadians being denied entry or detained at the U.S. border, and what people travelling to the U.S. can do to protect themselves.