TORONTO — What began as a simple family visit turned into a distressing ordeal for a 20-year-old Toronto woman after U.S. customs officers at Pearson International Airport denied her entry into the United States, suspecting she was attempting to immigrate illegally.
Julia, who asked that her last name not be published, was headed to Orlando, Florida, on November 3 to spend six weeks with her grandparents. She arrived at Pearson Airport with a valid Canadian passport, a round-trip ticket purchased through Porter Airlines, and what she described as nothing more than excitement for a relaxing family visit.
Instead, she was detained for questioning. “They decided to flag me and bring me to a different room,” Julia told CTV National News, describing an hour-and-a-half wait followed by an interrogation. “I was starting to hyperventilate… then I was told I’m denied entrance into America.”
Her mother, Kate, said the experience left her feeling angry and helpless. “It felt like a bit of abuse of power, honestly,” she said, recalling the shock of receiving a call from her daughter stranded at the airport.
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security checklist given to Julia listed the reason for denial as failure to show proof of a return ticket — despite her having one. She also lacked proof of employment or schooling, as she is currently on a break from her studies and between jobs. Julia insists she clearly stated her return plans to customs officers and even provided her itinerary.
“I have no interest in ever living in America,” she said. “I just wanted to see my grandparents.”
Immigration lawyer Heather Segal told CTV that such incidents are becoming more frequent. “When there’s a stronger anti-immigration sentiment in the U.S., border officers have more discretion and sometimes use it in a restrictive way,” she said. Segal noted that Canadians are increasingly being subjected to lengthy secondary inspections, more invasive questioning, and stricter documentation checks.
Although Julia had traveled to visit her grandparents without issue earlier this year, she now fears she may face difficulties crossing the border again. “It’s shaken my confidence,” she said.
Following the incident, Porter Airlines refunded Julia’s ticket in full. But her mother says the emotional toll remains. “It was a gross inconvenience,” Kate said. “If sharing our story helps other families prepare or avoid this, that would be great. But honestly, I think more Canadians are boycotting travel to the U.S., and after this, I’m all for it.”
Experts warn that Canadians should now be extra cautious when flying to the United States. Travelers are advised to carry clear documentation, including proof of return flights, employment or school records, and invitations for any events they are attending.
“Some of the politics between Canada and the U.S. play out at the border,” Segal added. “Even when travelers aren’t doing anything wrong, suspicion levels are higher — and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to this young woman.”
Courtsey CTV National News