10 hrs ago
Indian Tourists Report Increased Scrutiny at US Airports
Some Indian visitors to the United States said airport officers asked them extra questions.
The questions included their travel plans, family, money and where they would stay.
Two travellers said officers also looked at their social media.
One person showed WhatsApp, while another showed Instagram.
The article says tourists with B-1/B-2 visas are not currently required to have social-media screening.
However, border officers can ask travellers many questions before deciding whether to admit them.
Travel advisers recommend carrying clear documents about the trip.
These checks have made some travellers feel uncertain and nervous.
Several Indian tourists reportedly faced extra questioning during immigration checks at United States airports.
Some travellers said officers asked to see social media profiles, including WhatsApp and Instagram.
The United States Department of State has expanded online-presence reviews for several non-immigrant visa categories.
The article says no current rule requires B-1/B-2 tourists to undergo social-media screening.
Consultants advised travellers to carry itineraries, return tickets, accommodation details and proof of travel purpose.
- Who
- Indian tourists travelling to the United States and United States border officers.
- What
- Some tourists reportedly faced additional questioning and requests to show social-media profiles during immigration checks.
- Where
- At United States airports, including ports of entry used by travellers visiting California.
- When
- The article does not specify a date.
- Why
- United States border officers assess travellers’ travel purpose, stay, accommodation, finances and other circumstances before deciding whether to admit them.
Travellers’ Concerns
Border-Screening Authority
Social-media requests for tourists
Travellers’ Concerns
Travellers described the requests as unexpected and said the additional questioning made them nervous or uncertain.
Border-Screening Authority
The article says no current rule requires B-1/B-2 tourists to undergo social-media screening, but border officers have broad authority to question travellers about their circumstances before deciding admission.
Key facts
- Affected travellers
- Several Indian tourists travelling to the United States
- Reported checks
- Additional questioning and requests to show social-media profiles
- Visa categories with expanded reviews
- H-1B, H-4, F, M and J applicants
- Tourist visa position
- No current rule requires B-1/B-2 tourists to undergo social-media screening
- Examples of platforms shown
- WhatsApp and Instagram
- Border authority
- United States Customs and Border Protection officers may question travellers before deciding admission
- Travel advice
- Carry itinerary, return tickets, accommodation details and the purpose of the visit
Quotes
Saritha
A Hyderabad woman visiting family in California
“I was asked multiple times about my trip, my family in the US and my financial situation. Then, they asked me to show my social media on my phone. I said I only have WhatsApp and YouTube, and they checked my WhatsApp.”
deccanchronicle.com
“I came to the US before once, and I expected the immigration process to be routine. But after asking two questions, they called me into another room to ask additional questions. I got nervous.”
deccanchronicle.com
Anonymous tourist
An unnamed tourist questioned during US entry screening
“I had nothing to hide, but I was surprised when an officer wanted to see my social media profiles. I showed them my Instagram profile, and they checked my following list. After a couple of minutes, they sent me out.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
Indian-Origin American Claims Detention After Returning From Greenland Holiday
Trump Administration Tightens US Visa Rules for Indians
Couple Questions Passport Scans at Delhi Duty-Free Outlet
US Embassy Requires All Minor Visa Applicants In-Person Interviews
U.S. Pauses Worldwide Immigrant Visa Interviews Amid Tougher Screening
Thirty US Senators Demand Answers on Student Visa Delays
US Approves $1 Million More for Nepal Flood Victim Identification
80 Kailash Manasarovar Group Members Remain Unaccounted After Nepal Floods
US Deports Afghan Woman After First Alien Terrorist Court Case
Trump Backs Iran War on 9/11 Anniversary, Rejects Nuclear Weapon
