According to a foreign news agency, the Canadian Association of University Teachers has issued this advisory in the context of the political landscape created by the Trump administration and reports of some Canadian citizens facing difficulties crossing the border. The association says that academics who are from countries that have strained diplomatic relations with the United States or who have expressed negative views about the Trump administration themselves should be especially cautious about traveling to the United States.

The warning is specifically for academics who are transgender or whose research could be considered to conflict with current US administration policy. The organization says academics should consider what information they have on their electronic devices when crossing the border, or what information they need, and take steps to protect sensitive information. The Canadian government recently updated its US travel advisory, warning citizens that they could face scrutiny by border guards and the possibility of being detained if denied entry.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, the number of travelers from Canada to the United States fell by about 32 percent, or 864,000, in March compared with the same month last year. Many Canadians are angry about President Trump’s threats of annexation and a trade war, but are also worried about entering the United States. David Robinson, executive director of the University Teachers Association, said this is the first time in 11 years that his group has warned against non-essential U.S. travel. He said it is clear that people entering the United States are being subjected to stricter checks and that political screening is being carried out on those entering the country. He said the group made the decision after legal consultations in recent weeks. Director David Robinson said the association will maintain the warning until political screening is eliminated and confidential information on electronic devices is more respected.