Major foreign media reported that as the United States strengthens entry screenings in line with President Donald Trump's policy on the expulsion of illegal immigrants, anxiety among visitors to the United States is increasing.
In particular, as U.S. immigration authorities search the cell phones and social media (SNS) accounts of entry applicants and cases of sudden detention or expulsion are emerging, governments around the world are strengthening measures to protect their citizens.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and the New York Times (NYT) on the 20th (local time), immigrants and tourists trying to enter the U.S. are undergoing significantly strengthened screenings at points of entry. Entry screening personnel are asking aggressive questions and scrutinizing these individuals' visas more strictly, with reports indicating an increase in cases where detention is decided during the screening process.
Amid this atmosphere, testimonies of unfair treatment are also emerging. According to reports, Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney was detained during the U.S. entry process and had to stay in an immigration detention center for over ten days. He attempted to apply for a new work visa at the point of entry following the procedures typically allowed for Canadians, but was reportedly denied entry during that process.
He reportedly did not receive any explanation for the reason for his detention as he was transferred between two detention centers. After his news was reported in the media and after the appointment of a lawyer was permitted, he was released after 12 days.
Mooney said, "I had a Canadian passport, the attention of lawyers and the media, friends, family, and even politicians advocating for me," and noted, "Imagine how this (U.S. entry) system works for those with less favorable conditions than mine."
Lucas Silaph, a German plumber, was also caught at a border checkpoint while trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico with his fiancée, a U.S. citizen. Immigration officials pointed out that he was going to the U.S. for residency purposes and sent him to a detention center in San Diego, California. During this process, officials reportedly handcuffed him and tied him to a bench, refusing to allow access to an interpreter or attorney. He was able to return to Germany after being detained for 16 days.
It has been reported that it is also frequent for personal electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops to be opened during the entry screening process. Entry applicants are reportedly being asked to submit their SNS accounts. In fact, a French scientist was recently denied entry to the U.S. due to content criticizing President Trump found on his cell phone.
The U.S. administration maintains that these actions are in line with lawful duties. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport emphasized that searches of electronic devices are necessary to address terrorism and criminal activities. As such, governments in various countries are urging special attention for their travelers.