Canada will begin its first pre-clearance process in the United States this year as part of its plan to bolster border security amid mounting pressure from US President-elect Donald Trump.
the The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made the announcement on Thursday The two-year operation will be launched at a joint facility at the Cannon Corners Port of Entry in New York, which is located across the border from the Coffee Hill Port of Entry in Quebec.
During that two-year period, the Covey Hill port of entry will be closed to travellers, who will have to enter Canada via Cannon Corners instead.
“At the pre-clearance site, Canadian officers will screen travelers and cargo to determine whether they are permitted to enter Canada, as they currently do at ports of entry in Canada,” the Canada Border Services Agency said in a news release.
“This includes inspecting dangerous goods, such as firearms and drugs, before they leave the United States.”
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Travelers will not be able to submit refugee protection claims at this pre-clearance site, but they can do so at a Canadian port of entry, the Canada Border Services Agency said.
The agency said most other types of immigration applications will be accommodated at this location.
This announcement comes weeks before Trump takes office. Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products coming into the United States unless Canada strengthens border security.
In response to the threat, Ottawa unveiled a new $1.3 million border plan last month, which includes a joint strike force and a “round-the-clock” air surveillance unit for ports of entry.
Public Safety Secretary David J. McGinty said Thursday that the preclearance announcement “demonstrates our shared commitment with the United States to strengthen border security and streamline the flow of legitimate trade and travel between our countries.”
The United States already implements pre-clearance operations at eight Canadian airports And one marine facility. At these locations, US Customs and Immigration officials can allow or deny entry to travelers or goods coming into the United States from Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the launch date for the first Canadian pre-clearance process will be published on its website and social media platforms.
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