Trump is going after Canadian travelers for registration and fingerprinting

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is working on a new travel rule that could force Canadians planning to stay in the United States for more than 30 days to register their information with the government and have their fingerprints printed.

The rules, which are expected to take effect on April 11, expand the requirements for registration and fingerprinting of foreigners who enter the United States through land ports and stay in the United States for more than a month. As part of the background check process, the affected person must create an account with U.S. Customs and Immigration Services and schedule an appointment for fingerprint collection.

Bloomberg noted that the policy change could affect many of Canada's so-called snowbirds. Retirees heading to warmer U.S. states for the winter could face penalties if they don't register with the U.S. government.

Other forms, including the generic I-94 travel document, may be used in lieu of registration, the notice said. The I-94 travel document is usually issued to non-immigrant visitors arriving by air or shipping to the United States.

Since taking office, Trump has focused on cracking down on illegal immigration and launched a trade war against Canada. He has threatened to impose broad tariffs on Canada, and on Tuesday announced a doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada. Canada is the largest source of imported aluminum to the United States.