The article details growing anxieties among travelers, particularly non-citizens, regarding increased scrutiny at US borders under the second Trump administration. Immigration lawyers and travel consultants report a surge in concerns, with travelers taking precautions like leaving their personal phones at home and deleting social media accounts.
Several cases are cited, illustrating the alleged harsh treatment: a German national facing deportation for an old marijuana charge, a Canadian woman held for nearly two weeks, and an Irish green-card holder detained despite expunged convictions. These incidents have fueled widespread fear.
While the government insists that law-abiding travelers have nothing to fear and that increased searches are not happening, the article highlights a lack of transparency and data. CBP has not released statistics on secondary inspections or device checks. The article does note a recent executive order prioritizing stringent alien vetting and screening.
The anxieties are negatively impacting tourism, with a nearly 12 percent drop in overseas visitors in March. While outbound US travel hasn't seen a similar dip, industry experts anticipate a slump due to decreasing consumer confidence and the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
The article concludes by showcasing the pervasive fear among travelers, highlighting the experiences of various individuals, from immigration lawyers to ordinary citizens, emphasizing the uncertainty and the palpable tension surrounding US border crossings under the current administration.