The northern U.S. border is seeing a notable rise in Romanian nationals entering the country illegally, and experts believe Canada’s visa policies could be a major factor behind the trend.
According to Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, Canada’s decision to lift visa requirements for Romanians in 2017 made it significantly easier for them to enter the country. Once in Canada, some choose to cross into the U.S. illegally rather than stay put.
“First of all, the reason they’re coming from Canada is that Canada lifted visa requirements for Romanians in 2017, I believe,” Krikorian told Fox News Digital. “So it’s a lot simpler to get to Canada than it is to here if you’re a Romanian. And so then you sneak over the border. And why don’t you stay in Canada instead of come here? I don’t know.”
Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Houlton Sector of Maine shows a sharp rise in Romanian nationals attempting to cross illegally. While they accounted for less than 1% of border crossings in fiscal year 2023, that figure jumped to nearly 12% in 2024. Out of 344 illegal crossings recorded, 40 involved Romanian migrants. The Houlton Sector, located in northeast Maine, borders the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
Krikorian suggested that many Romanians entering the U.S. may be seeking to reunite with family members living in major American cities. The proximity of Interstate 95, which passes through Houlton, could make it easier for migrants to travel south.
While the majority of Romanians migrating abroad typically head to Italy, with Germany and other European nations also being common destinations, some are choosing to take a longer route to the U.S. in search of greater opportunities.
“Italy is one of the big destinations for many Romanians,” Krikorian explained. “But there are going to be people who want to come here. I mean, the United States is better off than Italy, too. There’s more opportunities here.”
However, an upcoming change in U.S. immigration policy could shift how Romanian nationals enter the country. By the end of March, Romania is set to join the Visa Waiver Program, which will allow its citizens to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a visa, provided the visit is for business or tourism.
Krikorian predicts that this change will lead to a decline in illegal border crossings by Romanians. Instead, he expects an increase in legal entries, with some travelers potentially overstaying their permitted time in the U.S.
“So illegal immigration of Romanians will just switch, will transform from border jumpers to visa over-stayers,” he noted.
With this shift on the horizon, the nature of Romanian migration to the U.S. may change, but the underlying motivations for seeking better economic opportunities and reuniting with family are likely to persist.
