In the midst of US President Donald Trump's aggressive advocacy for "enhanced vetting," even legal permanent residents and US citizens are facing additional scrutiny at airports and border crossings. Immigration attorneys and civil liberties organizations are advising travellers to know their rights and prepare for lengthy questioning and possible device searches—no matter their immigration status, the New York Times reported.
Visa-holders under heightened scrutiny
Tourists arriving in the US on visitor visas or through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) are being warned to make sure their declared travel plans are strictly consistent with the intent of their visas. Immigration lawyer Michael Wildes says even listing "open to work" on LinkedIn can be used by border officials as a warning sign that they intend to breach visa conditions. Instances such as British visitor Becky Burke, held for 19 days for organizing a no-pay work exchange, highlight how zero-tolerance enforcement is impacting tourists.
Green-card holders and citizens also experience delays
Even legal residents or US citizens have reported more border checks. Catherine, a 67-year-old naturalised citizen, reported that she was twice stopped since Trump's second term began despite decades of unproblematic entries. Although citizens and permanent residents cannot be denied reentry, they can be detained for longer periods if they refuse device searches.
Phone and device searches are increasing
Authorities can manually scan travellers’ devices without a warrant, and in certain places, perform forensic scans using sophisticated equipment. Privacy rights activists recommend shutting down phones prior to border security and switching off biometric capabilities such as Face ID so it cannot be easily accessed. Immigration attorneys caution that disabled or shut-down accounts can still lead to questions—and denial of access can lead to barring entry for guests.
Social media posts are being taken as evidence
Photos, messages, or posts deemed suspicious—even those unrelated to a traveller’s intent—can result in denial. A student visa holder was turned away during the Biden administration for photos posing with guns. Immigration attorney Cheryl David warns that under the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance approach, “consistency” and transparency are essential.
What to do if questioned or detained
Legal professionals indicate that visitors ought to be truthful and know their entitlements. While American citizens and green-card holders can turn down device searches without jeopardizing reentry, it will mean substantial delays. Visitors, on the other hand, may be safer simply withdrawing their request for entry if being refused rather than risking full deportation proceedings.
With minimal recourse to the law at the border and increased enforcement policies during the Trump administration, foreign travellers—tourists, students, and residents alike—are being increasingly compelled to prepare and be mindful of their online footprints prior to entering the United States.
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