An increasing number of Romanian immigrants are illegally crossing the northern border of the United States, according to official data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The phenomenon is believed to be linked to Canada’s 2017 decision to lift visas for Romanian citizens, making it easier for them to enter North America, highlighted the executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies at Fox News.
Why not stay in Canada?
Canada has become an easier point of access for Romanians compared to directly applying for a visa to the USA, said Mark Krikorian, adding that the influx of Romanian immigrants at the US border has been increasing in recent years.
"If you're Romanian, it's much easier to get to Canada than to the United States. After that, many choose to illegally cross the border," Krikorian stated.
"First of all, the reason Romanians come from Canada is that this country lifted visa requirements for them in 2017, I believe.
So it's much easier to get to Canada than here if you're Romanian. And then you sneak across the border. And why not stay in Canada instead of coming here? I don't know," he added.
"So, the United States are better than Italy"
In the Houlton sector of Maine, bordering the Canadian province of New Brunswick, Romanians accounted for less than 1% of illegal border crossings in 2023.
In fiscal year 2024, this percentage increased to nearly 12%, with 40 Romanian citizens identified among the 344 illegal crossings.
Krikorian also mentioned that most Romanians leaving their country go to Italy and, to a lesser extent, to Germany and other countries in the European Union. However, more enterprising migrants may continue on to the United States.
"Italy is one of the main destinations for many Romanians. But there will always be people who want to come here. I mean, the United States are better than Italy. There are more opportunities here," Krikorian said.
From 'border jumpers' to exceeding the stay period
Krikorian says that once Romanians are able to travel to the USA without visas, the number of illegal border crossings will decrease, but the number of those entering legally and exceeding their allowed stay period will increase.
"Therefore, illegal immigration of Romanians will simply shift from border jumping to overstaying their visa period," he added.
However, it is unknown when we will be able to travel to the USA without a visa. The United States government announced on Tuesday that it is reviewing Romania's recent inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to ensure compliance with its strict security requirements. During the review, the United States is suspending the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian citizens.
D.D.