The Trump administration’s claims of a crackdown on illegal immigration have raised concerns among travelers and civil liberties groups. According to Noor Zafar, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, travelers are facing more aggressive policies at the border.
Travelers arriving at U.S. ports of entry can expect various measures to be taken, including questioning, detention, or refusal of entry. However, there are specific rights that apply depending on your immigration status.
U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry, while lawful permanent residents have certain protections against deportation and green card revocation without a hearing before an immigration judge. Foreign nationals and visa holders must be admitted by Customs and Border Protection officials, who determine admissibility and can deny entry on their judgment.
Before traveling, it’s essential to take precautions. This includes keeping the phone number of an immigration attorney or another emergency contact handy in case of detention. Travelers should also be aware that their personal electronic devices may be subject to search, although this is rare, according to the CBP.
When questioned by officials, travelers can expect to answer questions about their identity and citizenship or permanent residency. Refusing to answer other routine questions may delay entry into the United States. Noncitizens and visa holders are more likely to face denial of entry if they refuse to cooperate with officers’ questions.
Customs and Border Protection officers have the authority to search electronic devices, although this is rare. Travelers are not obligated to unlock their devices during a search, but refusing may affect travel. Foreign nationals may be denied entry for failing to cooperate, while U.S. citizens may face detention or device seizure.
In an advanced search, officers use external equipment to review and analyze digital contents. It’s essential to inform officers about any sensitive information on your device, including protected medical records or work-related material from journalists.
If detained or refused entry, travelers are advised to comply with immigration authorities’ commands and contact an attorney as soon as possible. The American Civil Liberties Union recommends that travelers take extra precautions during this period of more aggressive policies at the border.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/03/21/travelers-entering-united-states-rights