Canadian academic association urges scientists to think twice before US trips

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has advised scholars and researchers to avoid “unnecessary” travel to the United States, citing concerns about the current political climate and challenges at border crossings.

The warning was issued in an official statement published on the CAUT website, per Caliber.Az.

The association, which represents over 72,000 scholars, librarians, and researchers across Canada, stressed the importance of exercising caution when entering the United States.

“Scholars should carefully assess what information they have or should have on their electronic devices when crossing the border and take measures to protect sensitive information if necessary,” the CAUT statement emphasised.

The advisory recommends that academics travel to the U.S. only when absolutely essential, pointing to the “rapidly changing political situation” in the country and ongoing difficulties some individuals face when attempting to cross the border.

The organisation noted that certain groups of researchers may be particularly vulnerable and should “pay special attention” to this guidance. This includes academics who “express negative opinions about the policies of the current US administration” or whose “research could be seen as contrary to the US administration's position.”

Local media outlets, citing data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, reported that the number of people entering the United States from Canada in March 2025 declined by approximately 32% compared to the same month last year.

By Tamilla Hasanova