Tourists to US would have to reveal 5 years of social media activity under plan
3 days ago
- #social media surveillance
- #US immigration policy
- #tourism decline
- Tourists to the US must disclose social media activity from the last five years under new Trump administration plans.
- The new rules apply to nationals from 42 visa-exempt countries, including allies like the UK, France, and Japan.
- Visitors must also provide phone numbers, email addresses, biometric data, and family member details.
- Changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) aim to comply with Trump's executive order on visitor vetting.
- US tourism has declined sharply due to stricter immigration policies, including bans on asylum claims and migration from certain countries.
- Canada-US travel has dropped significantly, with car trips down 36.9% and airline travel down 25.8% in July 2025.
- Foreign tourists face additional fees, including a $100 daily charge for visiting US national parks.
- The Trump administration is cracking down on visas, scrutinizing social media for 'anti-American' views and imposing high fees.
- Foreign students and skilled workers (H1-B visa applicants) must unlock social media profiles or risk suspicion.
- Visa denials now target individuals with fact-checking or content moderation backgrounds, accused of censorship.
- US border officials claim authority to search electronic devices of entrants, with refusal risking denial of entry.
- Human rights groups warn that FIFA risks aiding an authoritarian US government amid immigration enforcement concerns.
- Free speech advocates criticize the new requirements, arguing they undermine US commitments to liberty.