UPDATE: Foreign travelers could soon face stringent new requirements before entering the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed that individuals from certain countries in the Visa Waiver Program submit extensive social media information, email accounts, and family histories prior to approval for travel.
This significant development was announced in a notice published Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Federal Register. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking to collect five years of social media data from travelers who do not require visas to visit the U.S. The proposal underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing push to enhance monitoring of international travelers.
Travelers from over 40 countries, primarily in Europe and Asia, currently utilize the Visa Waiver Program, allowing them to visit the U.S. for tourism or business for up to three months without a visa. The new rules would require applicants to provide a comprehensive list of their social media accounts, telephone numbers used over the last five years, email addresses from the past decade, and family members’ places of birth and contact information.
The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed changes before they are implemented. The announcement has sparked concerns among immigration and free speech advocates regarding potential overreach and the implications for privacy rights. Travelers previously exempt from such scrutiny are now facing a tightening of these rules, reflecting a shift in policy priorities.
CBP officials have not yet clarified what specific information they are seeking from social media accounts or the rationale behind these extensive requirements. However, they stated that the initiative aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January 2024, aimed at enhancing national security measures for those entering the country.
Currently, travelers from non-Visa Waiver countries are already required to disclose their social media information. The trend towards increased social media scrutiny began during the Trump administration and has persisted under President Joe Biden.
The heightened focus on social media screening has raised alarms over potential discrimination and infringement on free speech, with advocates warning that the measures could disproportionately impact individuals critical of the administration.
As this situation develops, travelers and advocates alike are urged to voice their concerns during the upcoming public comment period. This proposal will undoubtedly affect thousands of international visitors seeking entry into the United States, making it crucial for stakeholders to engage with the process.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.
