Canada will implement its first preclearance operation in the United States this year as part of its plan to strengthen border security in the face of growing pressure from new U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
THE The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced Thursday that a two-year operation will be launched in a shared facility at the Cannon Corners port of entry in New York, which is across the border from the Covey Hill port of entry in Quebec.
During this two-year period, the Covey Hill port of entry will be closed to travelers, who must instead enter Canada through Cannon Corners.
“At the preclearance site, Canadian officers will examine travelers and goods to decide whether they are admissible to Canada, as they currently do at ports of entry into Canada,” the CBSA said in a news release.
“This includes screening dangerous goods, such as guns and drugs, before they leave the United States”
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Travelers will not be able to make a refugee claim at this preclearance site, the CBSA said, but they will be able to do so at a Canadian port of entry.
Most other types of immigration applications will be processed there, the agency said.
The announcement comes weeks before Trump takes office. Trump threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian products entering the United States unless Canada increases border security.
Responding to this threat, Ottawa unveiled new border plan worth $1.3 million last month, which includes a joint strike force and a “24-hour” aerial surveillance unit for points of entry.
Public Safety Minister David J. McGuinty said Thursday that the preclearance announcement “demonstrates our shared commitment with the United States to strengthening border security and streamlining legitimate trade flows and travel between our two countries.” country “.
The United States has already implemented preclearance operations at eight Canadian airports and a maritime facility. At these locations, U.S. Customs and Immigration officials can authorize or deny entry to travelers or goods from Canada.
The CBSA said the launch date for the first Canadian preclearance operation will be shared on its website and social media platforms.
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