By Ron Burge
OPINION
A new Trump administration rule hits the northern border on April 11 requiring Canadian snowbirds to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), before entering the United States. Predictions are that it will economically hit Florida and Arizona hardest because each year those two states host the largest number of winter snowbirds from Canada.
Last year an estimated one million Canadian snowbirds came south for the winter, with about 100,000 staying in Arizona and most others staying in Florida. They contributed $6.5 billion to the Florida economy according to the FloridaDataTrend.com., and $1.4 billion to Arizona according to the Arizona Canada Business Council. Most Canadian snowbirds stay south from October to April, according to the Canadian Snowbird Association, and spend several billion dollars in the U.S. while there.
Immigration registration for most Canadian snowbirds
The new rule was signed on “Day One” by President Trump amid a raft of other executive orders and largely went unnoticed at the time. It requires immigration registration for all Canadians who stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days, which covers virtually the entire Canadian snowbird population. Violation of the executive order is slated to be a civil and criminal law priority for law enforcement.
CityNews Montreal reports that for decades the ideal winter for retired Canadians meant heading south, many in their RVs. Others have purchased homes in Florida. But that is changing with Canadian homeowners in Florida selling out amid increasing insurance costs, devaluation of the dollar, and U.S.–Canada tensions. CTVYourMorning news noted that last year Canadians made up one quarter of Florida homebuyers.
Canadian U.S. tourists inject about $20 billion into the U.S. economy overall. The U.S. Travel Association noted that just a 10% drop in Canadian visitors to the U.S. would likely mean $2.1 billion in lost spending and a loss of 140,000 U.S. jobs.
Many RV resort owners fear more Canadians will stay shorter periods in more northern states, or make the long haul to Mexico, or opt for “plane ticket vacations” outside of the U.S. altogether.
While the economy may well take a hit, for U.S. RVers it’s uncertain if it may also mean it will be easier to find a place to stay in RV parks and resorts.
RELATED
- New U.S. rule mandates Canadian snowbirds to register with Homeland Security
- New Canadian tariffs slapped on U.S. in retaliation for American actions
- Canadian RV dealers threaten to cancel orders from U.S.
- What do snowbirds do when they can’t flee south?
Ron Burge is the nation’s leading expert on RV lemon law. He can be reached at RVLemonLaw.com.
##RVT1200
Sorry Ron that little piece was pretty much a “nothing burger”. Told me nothing
I did not know or could easily surmise. Looks like you had to meet a deadline, the dog ate your homework so you pulled this one out of your hat.
Sadly, I agree with Friz.
I see lots of Florida residents state here, and elsewhere, that they cannot get sites in the “snowbird” months. It then seems a reasonable assumption that a good number of sites will be occupied by Floida residents or other non-snowbird U.S. residents that want to visit those states for a shorter time, but couldn’t get a site before to do so. Less competition for sites might also lower some costs! More available sites at less cost!
I can only assume that none of those offsets are included in the numbers Ron quotes. As happens so frequently nowadays, only half of a story is presented to fit a narrative.
We ran into the over used snow bird problem in Arizona some 30 years ago…most were Canadians.Have never been back since…and won’t be.
On the bright side these executive orders are nothing but a small man’s attempt to use pen and paper. Yes, they cause chaos. But many will be defeated in court. We are not a monarchy or dictatorship. This needs to stop
Not yet!
Sorry Dave, the President of the United States is not a “small man”.
Tom, the comment was not about the office- only the current holder of that office.
More of a man child
You got it.
You are correct…he is overweight!! I hope it doesn’t affect his physical health.
It’s all very simple really. The people have spoken loud & clear. Republicans rule.
BTW, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for the next election. This is not a one and done movement.
The Red Tsunami is a revolution and will continue even after Trump is gone. Americans have had enough of wasteful, absurd Liberal politics. This change is forever!
Amen to that…
Perhaps you need to study history better.
Ha! You have NO idea.
I’m actually a history major and used to teach history (WIU 1998).
I would suggest you learn more about Americans during the Nixon years and you’ll see that this is indeed a revolution against Liberals just as it was in 1968.
Is there a way to remove Bob’s political rethoric? It’s not appropriate
It’s well within community standards. Just because you don’t like my opinion doesn’t make it wrong. @@
Hurt feelings? 🤣😂
Franklin D Roosevelt owns the record of most Executive Orders signed by any President: 3721. Now, he was president for a long time. His annual average was 307. The number 2 total spot goes to Woodrow Wilson with 1803 total and 225 annual average.
Most of the recent Presidents are in the upper 200’s to near 400 EOs signed. Trump’s total of 220 is not wildly out of line with recent presidents.
I guess we have had a lot of “Little Men” occupying the White House.
Our founding fathers were single digits signed. How times have changed.
You can see the entire list at statista dot com.
Just like Obama said! This won’t cause a problem, fill out the forms
I don’t see what the big deal is. The Canadians cross the border, sign some stuff, and keep on traveling. How is this going to cut into their travel plans?
This article was just to make people aware of the change on admission to the USA…what follows are discussions that are bigger than this
What’s the problem? Am I missing something?
Foreigners are required to fill out a free one page form to aid in our national security.
There is not even a fee. There is no issue here (except another attempt to slam this administration).
BTW, Canada was offered admittance into the greatest country in the world and they declined.
Bob believe me there was nothing free about what you call “admittance” into the US.
OK Evert, what is the fee? How much is the fee to fill out the form? You must know, you said it isn’t free.
That a boy …your asking specific questions to find out about the fee or is he blowing smoke or is it just rhetoric.
Be careful…. he may reply saying to do your own research.
Keep up the good work. The truth will set you free.
elbows up🇨🇦
How is it Evert can make a statement with no source, which I did not request either because I am a grown up, but I question the specific dollar amount he claims exists or what fees he is referri g to and somehow it’s on me to not just fact check him, but then also answer my own question to him which would force me into trying to prove a negetive, which you may not understand but, it is an impossibilty. I asked him a simple question Cooper.
Lotta pucks to head I’m guessing.
The post was a reply to you saying good job.
You did ask a simple and direct question. And I was congratulating you for doing so. Maybe I wasn’t clear.
Keep up the good work. The truth will set you free
Be kind. We need more kindness in the world.
Be safe
Elbows up🇨🇦
WOW! You got his head a-spinning!
Good job. 🙂
This is truly ridiculous. When we traveled to Canada for 39 days we had to “register” at the ArriveCAN web site. If Canadians want to stay in their frozen tundra then that’s their choice. The USA will not have open borders.
ArriveCan app is dead… no one uses it!
We used it 9 months ago, when did it die?
Happy trails 😎 ✌️
Deleted… posted twice.
More winter RV sites available in Florida for Americans, what a pleasant thought. Maybe now I can actually plan a winter there and get a nice spot in the coveted Florida Keys.
Oops, Canadians are Americans too. They live in North America just like citizens of the United States. Same applies to people living in Central America and South America- yep, all Americans too. Come on people stop being so myopic!
Correction: More winter RV sites available in Florida of citizens of the United States of America, what a pleasant thought. Maybe now I can actually plan a winter there and get a nice spot in the coveted Florida Keys.
This American <gag> has no wish to ever go back to Florida, it is not coveted to me. I do hope you enjoy yourself in your ‘nice spot’ there.
If they go to Mexico more than one month it is my understanding you have to fill out a digital information form so why refuse to fill out basically the same thing for U.S..
Oh yeah doesn’t fit your narrative.
It’s more than filling out a form
Article just said Canadians had to register to me that means forms
Guess Ron must have left out some facts in his one sided the sky is falling article
As a proud Canadian, I see nothing wrong with another form, regardless of its reason for implementation. When we or Americans cross the border our passports are scanned so each country knows how long any of us have been in each others country.
This will not keep me out of America next winter, the trade war and threat of annexation will. We may go to Denmark, Greenland or Panama instead.🇨🇦
My first trip to Florida was in 1988. The bartender at our hotel joked that they had to tag Canadians to track their migratory habits because they were taking over the state. Leonard, why don’t you head to Canada’s Southern destination, Niagara Falls? There will be more room in Fla for native Floridians and Americans.
Canada’s most Southerly destination is Peele Island, near Leamington.
Warmer, but still too cold for me!
Happy travels!
Victoria is quite mild in the winter.
I’m sure we will still make it to Canada this summer regardless the trade dust up, which will most likely be resolved by May or June anyhow.
Happy trails Leonard 😎 ✌️
When I visited Canada last year there was no requirement to fill out any forms. Just answered a few questions. Seems that the US should have a “reciprocal” situation with our Canadian visitors.
You blew this one Ron! Bias reporting is alive and healthy! Sorry!
Canadians and Americans in any of the trusted traveler programs are exempt from registration (traveling north or south bound) Those who are determined to winter in warmer climates will continue to travel, especially those who own dwellings. There will be a few who will choose a different country for winter relief but the small decline in Canadian visitors to warmer US locations will hardly be noticeable. Huff & puff, stomp your feet all you want but this is a big nothing in the big scheme of things!
I agree! I think some are trying to make a big deal out of something that is basically benign. Why would you refuse to fill out a form to enter the USA? I don’t think that many Canadians will. Why is it that left wing liberals are so intent on being against anything our newly elected government is trying to do to make our country better?
Let’s keep left and right out of this…the issue is bigger than Canadians filling out a form. Catch yourself up to date with Canadian news.
As someone who has relatives in Canada I think I’m pretty much up with their news.
Read Canadian news and politics…it will be interesting to see the stats over the next few months and years
Canada is a country that controls the content in the media and censors unflattering news or opinions…. just ask the truckers how free speech works in Canada. Nuf said.
Please don’t let RVT turn into another forum for political opinions. This article is precariously close to doing just that. Political opinions are a dime a dozen. And if there are two sides to the story publish both of them.
Whether you want to hear political opinions or not the US current administration is affecting Rver’s from Canada…so I believe this is information worth hearing about and discussing..if this keeps up it surely will make RV park space more available for US citizens.
Every storm blows someone some good.
It isn’t an opinion, it is a fact. Trump has done it. More hoops for Canadians to jump through. A bunch of oldsters are hardly an invasion risk. Give me a break.
It’s one persons ‘opinion’. Sounds like he thinks canadians would rather freeze in the winter than fill out another piece of paper. The lengths people will go to stretch their idea of what they percieve will happen is beyond me. It’s all about the clicks I guess…
I and many people I know are through. Many are even heading home early and planning for different locations next winter. You seem to not understand that the USA is not the only warm place to go in winter. Canadians will go en masse to places that are happy to have the BILLIONS of dollars they spend every winter. The order is against ‘INVASION’. Would you not find it insulting to insinuate that a bunch of old folks have designs on invading your country? Really? Add to that the 51st State nonsense. Canadians for the most part are well and truly fed up. Easy to not give a darn when it isn’t your job that will disappear next winter when multiple thousands of Snowbirds don’t show up.
Sorry Ron, this a totally BS concern! Canadians travel south to escape the WINTER! A no fee form is not going to magically change THAT! No president, even Trump, can executive order the weather.
As said in a few of the previous comments it’s not the new form that is required to be completed, it is all of the US administrations rhetoric, the poor Canadian dollar against the US dollar that is and will keep Canadians, both snowbirds and not, away from vacationing and entering the US. You need to read and listen to Canadian news.
Right?! If only we paid more attention to Pravda Canada, aka CTV and CBC then we would all be appropriately Informed… got it.
Maybe Canada should just send Danielle Smith to negotiate for all of Canada. She is remarkably wise and tremendously pragmatic. She is handling the inter-provincial trade war well, maybe she can take the helm for Carney on this. She runs Canada’s wealthiest province well, has an energy background. Plus, she cries far less than Trudeau and has a lovely demeanor.
I mean, C’mon …. C. Freeland? Dumbest, dumbest, dumbest!!! Gives me the shivers how dumb she is.
For the record Marlaina Danielle Smith ECA MLA (born April 1, 1971) is a Canadian politician, former lobbyist, and former columnist and media personality who has been serving as the 19th premier of Alberta and leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP) since October 2022.
Facts matter
At least lie creatively
NO ENERGY BACKGROUND
Elbows up🇨🇦
As the premier of Alberta, she automatically has an energy background. Her background as the leader for the Texas of Canada is good enough for me along with being the only premier of a province with a pot to P in, finacially. She seems pretty qualified to me.
Add in her degree in Economics and being the President of the Alberta Economic Forum…. nuf said, Cooper. Oil and gas province.
if you think she is qualified fine…just don’t lie or infer to the folks here she has an energy background…stop your lying. Facts matter.
elbows up🇨🇦
Agreed. She is well qualified and yes, I may have overshot the mark on the energy point.
I hate arguing with you on this Cooper. I’m am just waiting for a Canadian to offer an idea on tarrifs that doesn’t involve keeping things the same. On the annexation of Canada…. it is a ridiculous notion and is only hyperbole, so setting that aside, can we at least agree that Canada needs to offer to get serious about fixing some of the trade imbalance? Or if you think things should stay as is and are unwilling to adjust a little, oh well. The elbows up attitude is unhelpful, but neither are my rebuttals.
The trade imbalance is real. The neglect of our NATO 2% GDP spend is also real.
I would like to see us double our F-35 order and maybe a nuclear submarine or two. We could fix both problems in one military purchase!🇨🇦
I do not agree with stopping oil exports to the US, which would put the US into a trade surplus!🇨🇦
While I believe annexing our country is a stretch, is this the way for the most powerful political leader in the world to treat his NATO allies?🇨🇦
Elbows up🇨🇦
The I-94 form is not the straw that broke camel’s back. Both countries have implemented onerous forms in the past that people have worked around amicably. The problem is all the new anti-Canadian sentiment & proposals coming out of US administration. As an American I am embarrassed by treating our neighbors so badly. We are snowbirds in a CALIF RV resort which was composed of about 50% CDN visitors & residents – a few hundred people. This year because of the negative proposals aimed at Canada, about 1/2 of our CDN friends are selling & not coming back. SAD!
Does anyone honestly think a snowbird will feel less inconvenienced sitting in -30F for the entire winter season than filling out a few forms?
The mere implication that a majority of our Canadian friends are as fragile and pithy as our partisan politics is disappointing.
The fact that Canadians are selling their properties in the US or not planning on going back does not mean we are not staying home.. There are lots of places that have warm weather and we are most likely going to spend our hard earned money elsewhere. I am sure there are a lot of countries would love to see the billions of dollars help their economies if Trump doesn’t want it
Loosing $7 billion in annual snow bird spending is really nothing once we recover the $200 billion of trade imbalance. So I guess, keep your $7 billion and we will only be up $193 billion at the end of this.
Add in the $350 billion we waste on housing, feeding and medicating illegals and we have $543 billion in savings. That’s about $10.4 billion average per state so I think AZ and FL will survive losing $1bil and $6bil respectively. Not even a flicker for our overall economy. FYI, $543 bil is about 17X total Military spending for ca.
CAN. owned real estate back on the market…. TRIFECTA.
A $7 Billion loss to the RV industry is nothing? That seems delusional. Clearly this loss will not help the fledging RV industry, will it? Will any of the so-called $$ billions coming back because of the chain saw and tariffs go directly to the RV industry? All the debate here is too late. The damage is done and I don’t blame the CDNs for feeling disrespected and attacked. Our parents fought with our CDN brothers in WWII and the CDNs supported and sacrificed just like our parents did. It is not right to treat them this way but it’s too late now. Sadly.
So you’re saying we do owe them a free lunch? Do you have a timeline in mind for us remove them from the international welfare roll or is it like Ukraine….”whatever the cost and for as long as it takes”?
The war 1812 was a long time ago too. It is the 21st century and the old paradigm needs to shift. We are $37 Trillion in debt…. when do we handle that….never? Only a child would think we can do the same thing for another 25 years without consequence. No more kicking the can down the road so the Dems and USAID can virtue signal Liberal generosity with my tax dollars.
Just sayin.
Happy trails ✌️😎
I’ve read many of your posts, your rhetoric about the USA propping up Canada is getting a little old. So please provide references from credible sources in how exactly your country is subsidizing ours?
Oh Don. Let me count the ways….
1. Pay your fair share to NATO.
2. Agree to reciprocal tarrifs or no tarrifs. We have a $200 billion trade deficit with you.
3. Your govt controls pricing on medications developed in the USA and those drug companies have to charge Americans hundreds of dollars extra to offset your $10.00 costs. If no one pays the high price (us), then life saving meds for Can. don’t get developed so NO, we can’t put on price controls…. someone has to pay the freight.
There, 3 objective facts. No blue ribbon commission needed.
Does anyone in Canada have a solution other than keeping the status quo?
With the exception of NATO, your other statements are opinions not facts, credible sources please.
When everyone already know something, no sourcing is needed.
Also, if you and Cooper dispute an assertion I make, bring your evidence to dispute it. You have it backwards. If you are going to fact check me, then it is on you to bring the facts that dispute what I say.
Only a 10 year old yells “prove it” when they hear something they disagree with. Grown ups being receipts so bring your receipts. I speak truth and fact always. If you disagree or have evidence of my mistake, bring it. Otherwise you and Cooper are just whining.
Asking this person for credible sources and specifics is a waste of time….yes his posts are a getting very, very old.
Thanks for your comments
Elbows Up🇨🇦
See above reply to Don B. If your the fact checker, bring the receipts. This falls to the party disputing the assertion…. that’s how grown ups do it. Grow up.
Speak for yourself…your jack boots need shined.
I’ve gotta add, David. Do you think the $7 billion is all in the RV industry? Are you saying people in the market for a new RV will not buy one now? People that already have an RV will quit buying Thetford and RV TP? No more marshmallows and Graham crackers will be purchased in the US or Canada? Pure silliness, David. Absolutely a ridiculous theory. It is not binary.
90% of cdn snowbirds will still flock to the southern states regardless this absurd article. No chance they stay in the cold. No chance they rent a villa in the south of France or Italy in lieu of driving south. 90% won’t sell there real estate. 90% will still want cheap beer in the winter and buy gas at half price.
Unless your sitting indoors under a blanket all winter and eating porridge while drinking water, it costs more to stay in Winnepeg for the winter than traveling south for a burger and a beer with an FHU site.
This is silliness.
I think you underestimate us. Yes, many Canadians will still winter in the Southern US. I will not, my family will not, my friends have already sold their condo in Phoenix, on and on.
You are correct about some of us not wanting to stay in the cold, which is why I have already booked a residence in Costa Rica for December/January/February, and Southern Europe in the spring.
Alcohol is cheap in the US, and fuel right now is about 80% of what it costs in Canada. Certainly not good reasons to winter in your beautiful country, but for some, yes.
Will we collectively make a dent in your economy? Not much of one, but I will feel content if not sad with my decisions.🇨🇦
That is outstanding Leonard. 3 months in Costa Rica…. an outstanding winter it will be. I’m sure you are correct, the cumulative will effect a few folks down south.
Hopefully this all plays out in the next few months and we will see you the following year. In the mean time, I am a tad envious of your Costa Rica plans.
Happy trails 😎 ✌️
I am embarrassed and sad about the way we are treating Canadians-the threats and the tariffs. Come on! If Canada started saying the same ridiculous things about us like making America part of Canada-we’d be pissed. Interesting article.. just another way we will be losing money.
Some Fact. Lot of Ron’s opinion.
That’s why it’s easy for me to call all the things reported these days as news “The Daily Opinion”!
Just find the guy, gal or network that spouts OPINIONS you agree with and “Here’s Your Sign”!
You are making a huge assumption that the Canadian snowbirds won’t register and won’t come. Have you found any evidence of this? What’s the big deal to register anyway? I’ve traveled to a lot of different countries and it seems like I’ve always had to fill out a form. I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.
I believe I had to register at the Canadian border to go into Canada. We needed a passport, declarations on items we had on board, and declaration on where we were going and how long we were staying and I was questioned on what items I would be leaving in Canada (we had planned some charitable giving in Labrador). I was not offended by this although the restrictions seemed petty though I was told that small amounts of some contraband for our own use was allowed.
Thank you for the discussion, Ron! Given the numbers you found and included, the executive order seems likely to have some unintended consequences. I guess time will bear out whether unintentional or not. Have a great week and safe travels!
One thing that is starting to become standard in these newsletters is the left wing opinion which is based mostly on opinion and emotion.
I agree and since rvtravel is published on the left side of WA state this is no surprise about left wing opinions.
Does it really matter where something is published or written or if your left wing or right wing….does it really matter?
Lets all be kind to each other.
elbows up🇨🇦
So, Donny, how do you explain the fact that our writers are scattered across the country, and we don’t tell them what to write?🤔 Have a good day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Just my observation, regardless of where the writers reside or travel, there seems to be quite a bit of left leaning opinions being published.
Hi, Donny. I think that’s accurate, but we publish what is submitted to us from our writers, who are scattered around the country. I’m just saying they’re not all located on the West Coast (in fact, the majority are not). People have, and are entitled to, their own opinions no matter where they live, and we don’t tell our writers what to write. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Thanks Diane. Wrong assumption of me for thinking most of the writers were from the left coast. I do think the articles they write have more speculation and assumptions. like “Ron,” rather than fact, which after reading the comments, just adds to the controversy.
Thanks, Donny. I agree. Unfortunately, there’s lots of controversy everywhere these days. We can post the most innocuous, seemingly non-political, article and it’ll turn into a very heated political debate in the comments. Everyone’s views seem to be one way or the other, with not much in between. And there’s not much acceptance of differing views, i.e., folks strongly feel they’re correct and folks that don’t agree with them are wrong. Pretty sad state of affairs, in my opinion. Take care. 😀 –Diane
Thank-you, Diane. I definitely agree with all of the aspects of your reply.
For sure on the sad state of affairs. Have a great week…Donny
Thanks, Donny. I hope you have a great week, as well. 😀 -Diane
You don’t have to read it.
I don’t care if you’re left wing or right wing…as long as people are kind to each other and treat people with respect.
In my opinion we need more kindness in the world.
Thanks for your comments
Elbows up🇨🇦
Let’s see if I understand the gist of this article. The author suggests that maybe 10% of Canadians who spend thousands of dollars traveling to and staying in southern US states for more than 30 days in expensive RVs are likely to not do that because of the need to fill out a form that has no fee attached to it? (I checked the US website that has the form and it does not have a fee). Really? There is either something very wrong with the author or Canadians (if author is anywhere near correct)?
From a Canadian perspective. It has nothing to do with filling a form. It is a protest against Trump for his tariffs.Canadians are boycotting the USA through not buying USA products and not traveling or holidaying to the USA.
Thanks for the question.
elbows up🇨🇦
I understand that. However, I was just considering just what was in the article. Tariffs were never mentioned. (nor other things like 51st state, exchange rates, etc.)
Thanks…good points
elbows up🇨🇦
Sadly i think Americans will also reduce travel to Canada as they will not feel that they are welcomed. Instead they will travel in USA. So demand on campgrounds might be the same.
Interesting. Maybe there will finally be room for US citizens