As hundreds of thousands of Canadians turn away from vacations and day-trips to the U.S., those who work for companies with cross-border operations are finding themselves in a tough spot.
“If I had not already started this project in 2024, I would not be taking it on now to travel to the U.S.,” Tyler, an engineer originally from Vancouver who now lives and works in the U.K., told the Star.
Tyler asked that the Star only use his first name out of concerns speaking publicly could cause him issues entering the U.S. for future work trips.
The engineer has crossed the border for more than 10 years now.
While his interactions with border officials on his most recent trip to the U.S. were not “too outrageous” — the officers just asked a few more questions than usual — he is still not looking forward to his next visit in a couple days.
“I travel a lot,” he said, “and the U.S. is the only place I have any concerns over.”
Tyler is not the only Canadian worried about travelling to the U.S. for work.
People on social media say they’ve become more anxious recently, as stories have emerged of Canadians, other foreigners and those with valid documents being harassed while entering the U.S.
Others shared similar sentiments with the Star privately, afraid to allow their names to be made public due to fears about issues crossing the border or harming their relationship with their employer.
For a time, it seemed like companies were aware of their employees’ concerns.
According to data from Flight Centre Canada, corporate bookings to the U.S. were down 10 per cent in February compared to the same month the year before. But the number bounced back in March, with bookings down just one per cent year-over-year.
Even as business travel stabilizes, companies are increasingly trying to figure out how best to approach crossing the border, according to Chelsea Hseih, a partner at KPMG Law specializing in U.S. immigration.
“We have been contacted by a lot of clients and companies of all sizes,” Hsieh said, “and the companies want to make sure that employees feel safe and are equipped with the information they need to travel.”
Hsieh noted that she cannot name those who have reached out due to client confidentiality.
The Star separately contacted multiple Canadian companies with operations in the U.S., including banks and major retailers, asking if they’ve changed their policies around business travel. All who replied declined to comment.
Those in the education sector have been more public with their stance, with the Canadian Association of University Teachers strongly recommending Canadian academics only travel to the U.S. if necessary. Meanwhile, school boards across Canada are cancelling field trips to America.
In response to client questions, Hsieh said she and her colleagues have stressed that the “vast majority” of travellers should have no issues crossing the border, as long as they have proper documents.
“We haven’t experienced specific incidents of detainment,” Hsieh added, noting that KPMG would provide legal guidance on a “case-by-case basis” if it were to happen.
While Hsieh acknowledged the Canadian government’s updated travel advisory warning travellers of additional scrutiny at the border, including the possible inspection of electronic devices, the lawyer said that these searches appear to be “quite rare.”
“I don’t anticipate that to happen with every international traveller looking to travel to the U.S.,” she said.
Still, she said clients have mentioned that they are working to “develop internal policies” around protecting confidential information and electronic devices.
For Tyler, his employer hasn’t issued any guidance to workers regarding electronics, although he said his work phone is “already locked down so we cannot access personal social media accounts.”
He still makes an effort to delete certain apps like Reddit from his personal phone before travelling to the U.S., however.
Hsieh cautioned Canadian workers travelling to the U.S. against using a burner phone entirely.
“As we have seen, it can raise additional suspicion from the (customs) officers,” she said. “I think it’s more important for travellers just to be mindful of what’s on their devices and just maintain some device hygiene.”
