Vancouver Immigration And Cross-Border Injury Law Blog

Although the United States government's issues with illegal border crossings might be primarily focused on its borders with another country, Canadian citizens are often unprepared for the harsh treatment by border officials. Even those whose documents are in perfect order and in compliance with U.S. immigration laws might have a tough time. Taking some precautionary steps might ease the border crossing process for travellers from British Columbia and other provinces and territories.

Cellphone issues can be avoided by removing any confidential information, including any references to cannabis or prescription medicines, which might not be approved in the U.S. before reaching the border post. Travellers cannot be forced to unlock their phones, in which cases, their phones might be confiscated and returned to the owner upon his or her return to Canada. It might also be wise to clean the car and remove litter, clutter and prohibited food products. This will make it easier for border agents to search the vehicle.

The temporary shutdown of the United States government saw all nonessential government services put on hold until budget-related issues can be resolved. This includes some U.S. immigration services like the NEXUS program. Its purpose is to provide preapproval to holders of NEXUS cards and to streamline their border crossings thereby. Applicants typically represent frequent travellers between British Columbia and other Canadian provinces and territories and the United States.

Right now, only half of the application process for NEXUS cards can be completed. The process involves two parts, including one portion of the application that is handled by the Canada Border Services Agency and a second part that must be dealt with by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. Although there is no hold up with the CBSA process, applicants have no idea when they will be able to complete the process.

Freight worth billions of dollars is transported between Canada and the United States each year. A significant percentage of the cargo is transported by road on commercial trucks. Truck drivers who travel from British Columbia to deliver or pick up loads might have questions about the frequent border crossings and the U.S. immigration laws that might affect or even benefit them.

British Columbia truckers who obtain a FAST North card can save time and money when they cross the border into Washington State -- in both directions. Holding a FAST card will ensure quick processing of the cargo at the border crossing. To be eligible for such a pass, the entire supply chain with which the driver deals must be members of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.

Pedestrians in Vancouver must always be more careful once winter weather sets in, and that also applies to those who take trips to Washington State. Although Seattle's average snowfall is not exceptionally high, cold spells with ice and heavy snowfalls do occur. Cars could strike pedestrians, or slip-and-fall accidents could happen at any time, and if the victim is a British Columbia resident, cross-border personal injury claims could be challenging.

Fewer daylight hours and adverse weather limit visibility, which increases the chances of being struck while crossing the street or slipping on an icy patch on the sidewalk. Safety authorities advise pedestrians to wear bright and reflective clothing along with suitable footwear that poses limited fall risks. They say pedestrians should avoid using cell phones while walking, and make eye contact with vehicle drivers before crossing the road at intersections and crosswalks; they should also avoid jaywalking.