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Should there be freedom of movement with Canada & USA? (nord.pub)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by NightOps@nord.pub to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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For perspective: all EU states have freedom of movement for their citizens (meaning an national identity card is valid for crossing borders) like you can visit Germany as a Spaniard for instance up to 180 days (includes both Switzerland & Liechtenstein), applies to every country within the EEA. Permanent residency is guaranteed for EU citizens after 180 days given you must work, study & have sufficient funds and health insurance.

It’s because the US has the Derby Line which is in Vermont (Stanstead, Quebec) as it has a distinct border clearly marking which parts belong to Canada and the US (like that area is divided, taxed twice by both countries, and border checkpoints everywhere) but would an EU-style freedom of movement remove that by allowing citizens of both Canada and US cross freely (ID’s from both nations become valid travel documents).

However, that would need cooperation with both governments and opinions from the populace whether they’ll condone freedom of movement between Canada and the US (as in American people who live in Point Roberts, WA can cross into Canada as if it’s another state). That means Alaska is accessible for Canadians on a road trip who live in Yukon province (put it this way: both US & Canadian citizens can stay in either nation for 3 months).

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[–] FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.website 6 points 2 weeks ago

but would an EU-style freedom of movement remove that by allowing citizens of both Canada and US cross freely...?

Captain Obvious says yes.

It should be noted that not all that glitters is gold. At various times, Schengen member countries have reinstated border checks. Not at every border crossing but randomly checking people. Often unfortunately in accordance with the Family Guy police stop meme Pantone skin color chart. Germany is doing it at great cost as an internal political maneuver. Italy is doing it to people coming from Spain post the run on Ceuta. At the height of the Syrian refugee crisis every EU country along the way did it. Free movement is the first victim of anti-immigration politics everywhere. There is an argument to be made that this lofty ideal inked on paper in the 90s was too lofty for its own good in a realpolitik kind of way.

Given the current US administration and the crap they're pulling on their friendly neighbours to the north there is no way this will happen. This century, if I had to put a time frame on it. This is what happens when the toddlers run diplomacy. Earning respect takes ages, losing it takes no time at all.