New Social Media Requirements Proposed for Visa-Free US Travelers

Foreign nationals traveling to the United States without a visa may soon need to disclose their social media accounts, email addresses, and detailed family backgrounds. This proposed requirement, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 15, 2023, aims to enhance security protocols under the Visa Waiver Program.

The notice published in the Federal Register outlines that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends to collect up to five years of social media information from travelers from select countries exempt from visa requirements. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to intensify monitoring of incoming travelers and immigrants.

Details of the Proposed Changes

The proposed changes apply to travelers from over three dozen countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. These individuals currently submit their information through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which automatically processes their travel approvals without needing an embassy or consulate interview. Under the new proposal, travelers may be required to provide additional information, including:

– Telephone numbers used in the past five years
– Email addresses utilized over the last decade
– Metadata from electronically submitted photographs
– Comprehensive family details, such as places of birth and contact numbers

Currently, the ESTA application only requests basic information, such as parents’ names and a current email address. The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed changes before they are finalized.

CBP has not specified the criteria for reviewing social media accounts or the rationale behind requesting this additional information. The agency stated that these measures align with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January 2023, aimed at preventing potential national security threats from entering the country.

Concerns and Implications

It is important to note that travelers from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program are already obligated to disclose their social media information. This policy originated during Trump’s first term and has persisted under the Biden administration.

In recent months, the Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of both immigrants and international travelers. Visa applicants must now set their social media accounts to public for easier examination. Failure to comply may lead to visa denials, according to guidelines from the State Department. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services evaluates whether applicants for benefits, such as green cards, have endorsed views deemed anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic.

These heightened measures have raised alarms among immigration and free speech advocates. Critics question the potential for targeting individuals who oppose the administration, posing risks to free speech rights. As discussions continue, the implications of these proposals remain to be seen, with many concerned about the balance between security and civil liberties.

In summary, as the U.S. government moves forward with these proposed social media screening measures, the focus will be on ensuring national security while addressing the concerns of advocacy groups regarding privacy and freedom of expression.