The United States government, under President Donald Trump, has introduced a sweeping new policy affecting foreign nationals seeking to enter the country. Announced Tuesday, the policy requires foreign tourists to submit five years of social media history, email addresses, phone numbers, and family information before being allowed entry into the United States. This directive extends to travelers from countries that previously enjoyed visa-free travel privileges, such as the United Kingdom and Germany.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published the notice in the Federal Register, initiating a 60-day public comment period. The policy emerges as part of a broader initiative to tighten immigration controls, following an immigration freeze affecting 19 countries announced last week. Administration officials have emphasized the necessity of these measures for national security purposes.
The new regulations stipulate that travelers must provide a comprehensive digital footprint for the past five years. This includes not only social media accounts but extends to a full array of personal details and communications platforms. The announcement comes at a time when the United States is preparing to welcome a significant influx of international visitors for major sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Previously, in June, the State Department required travelers to make their social media profiles publicly accessible, and in August, the Trump administration directed immigration services to scrutinize social media accounts of visa and green card applicants for anti-American content. The latest policy expands these screening measures to include temporary visitors and tourists.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now instructs officers to evaluate whether applicants have engaged in activities or expressed views that could be interpreted as anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic. USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser articulated the stance, stating, "America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies." He added that immigration benefits are a privilege, not a right.
The criteria for defining anti-Americanism have not been explicitly outlined, leading to concerns about potential subjectivity in the application process. Elizabeth Jacobs from the Center for Immigration Studies explained that while officers are given guidance, they maintain discretionary authority. Jane Lilly Lopez, an associate professor of sociology, raised alarms about the possibility of bias influencing decisions.
This policy expansion coincides with an immigration freeze that halts all applications from 19 countries and has impacted millions with pending asylum applications and individuals granted asylum during the Biden administration. Moreover, the New York Post reports that President Trump is considering extending the travel ban to over 30 countries.
As the United States positions itself on the global stage as a host to forthcoming international events, the implications of these heightened security measures on tourism, public perception, and diplomatic relations will be closely monitored by policymakers and the international community alike.
