By Michael Baginski/ Three members of Congress from across the U.S. political and geographical spectrum – one an avid supporter of Donald Trump; another a Republican who has been targeted by the POTUS; and an opposition Democrat – having come out in support of Canadian snowbirds, proposing that the reliable long-stay visitors be allowed to stay in U.S. even longer than is currently permitted.
Introduced on April 29, the bipartisan “Canadian Snowbird Visa Act,” was written by New York’s Elise Stefanik, Laurel Lee of Florida and Greg Stanton of Arizona, proposing to extend the duration Canadian citizens who own or lease a residence in the United States may stay from 182 days to 240 days annually.
“Our neighbours to the north provide more visits to the United States than any other country, and they are critically important to North Country tourism and industry,” said Stefanik. “Providing Canadians who own homes and property in the United States with extra time to visit and boost our economy will help revive Canadian tourism to the United States.”
Notably, Stefanik is seen as favourite of Trump, having been called “great” by the president.
The bill comes as Canadian visitations to the US plummet (down by nearly a million visitors in March, according to U.S. figures) and flies in the face of the perception by many snowbirds that they are no longer welcome in the US, with vows by many not to return (at least for four years), and/or to sell their homes due to the turbulent political situation in the U.S. under current administration.
Further, newly introduced regulations (the Interim Final Rule on “Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration”) that requires Canadians travelling by car to the US for longer than 30 days to register with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is both an “unnecessary burden” and a “redundant” exercise, according to an irate Canadian Snowbird Association, which further fumes, “The IFR is a step backward in bi-national relations.”
In the broader picture, under current U.S. immigration law, Canadian citizens can only stay in the United States for up to 182 days per year (or “six months less a day” as it the reg is called) without a visa.
However, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act would allow eligible Canadians – aged 50 and over who either own or lease a U.S. residence – to extend their stay to up to 240 day (approximately eight months) annually.
Florida Congresswoman Lee – whom Trump has previously sought to displace – stated, “I’m proud to introduce the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act because it’s a win for America’s economy. Canadian residents contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies – especially here in Florida.
“By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here, we’re supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbours, and helping local communities thrive.”
The legislation includes safeguards that would prohibit qualifying individuals from working for U.S. employers or accessing public assistance programs and clarifies that they will retain their non-resident tax status.
“This bipartisan bill reflects a shared commitment to supporting local economies, rebuilding cross-border tourism, and strengthening the U.S.-Canada relationship through smart, targeted immigration policy,” said Stefanik in a statement.
“We have been pleased to join with the Canadian Snowbird Association in support of this initiative, conveying to our friends that we appreciate their extended stays, including in the North Country,” commented Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce in New York. “We thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her continued leadership on this positive action and message.”
It is expected the snowbird bill will take months before reaching possible approval.
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