U.S. Border Officials Now Checking Social Media of International Travelers

International visitors entering the United States may now have their social media activity scrutinized by Border Patrol officers, a move that has raised legal concerns among immigration advocates.

Reports indicate that multiple visa holders have been denied entry based on their online posts. In one case, a French scientist was turned away upon arrival in Houston after officials flagged his messages criticizing former President Donald Trump’s science funding cuts.

The scientist, who had a temporary visa to attend a conference, was reportedly stopped after officers reviewed his communications. As a result, immigration attorneys are advising clients to be cautious about the content stored on their electronic devices.

Some lawyers warn that even seemingly harmless messages or images could be problematic during border inspections.“I’ve told my clients to be very careful about their use of electronic devices and bringing phones and laptops through the border,” said Elissa Taub, a partner at immigration law firm Siskind Susser.

“Even messages in apps like WhatsApp and Telegram could be reviewed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and individuals have little recourse to prevent it.”

CBP has defended the searches, asserting that officers have the authority to examine electronic devices for national security reasons. The agency states that, since border searches fall outside the scope of the Fourth Amendment’s protections against warrantless searches, travelers must comply or risk legal consequences, including denial of entry.

While less than 0.01% of travelers reportedly experience such inspections, those who do may have their device data logged and stored for up to 15 years.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded to the backlash, emphasizing that the policy aligns with efforts to combat terrorism, transnational crime, and illegal activities on the dark web.

The agency insists that its actions are lawful and in accordance with privacy protections.

Meanwhile, other countries have begun warning their citizens about the risks associated with traveling to the U.S.

Some have even issued advisories cautioning that refusal to comply with entry rules could lead to detention or deportation.

Immigration rights groups, including the ACLU, continue to urge travelers to encrypt sensitive data and be mindful of their digital footprint before arriving at U.S. borders.