Foreign nationals are reconsidering travel to the United States because of intensified border scrutiny and searches of electronic devices. Travelers report being questioned about political views and having phones examined for articles, photos, messages and other personal data. Examples include a French scientist refused entry after a phone search and an Australian writer detained after agents probed personal images and cited alleged past drug use. More than a dozen countries updated travel guidance, with Australia and Canada warning about device searches. Experts recommend locking down social media, deleting sensitive data, removing facial-recognition apps, or using burner phones; some institutions advise avoiding US travel.
The fact that we're being evaluated for our opinions entering a country that, at least until very recently, purported to be an example of democracy. Yeah, these are things that make me highly uncomfortable, said Serry, a Canadian performer and attorney. You're left thinking that you don't want to leave evidence of bad opinions' on your person.
An Australian writer who was detained and denied entry in June said he was initially grilled about his articles on pro-Palestinian protests, and then watched as a border agent probed even the most personal images on his phone.
More than a dozen countries have updated their travel guidance to the US. In Australia and Canada, government advisories were changed to specifically mention the potential for electronic device searches. On the advice of various experts, people are locking down social media, deleting photos and private messages, removing facial recognition, or even traveling with burner phones to protect themselves.
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