Foreign nationals who currently travel to the United States without a visa may soon face new requirements that include disclosing their social media accounts, email addresses, and detailed family information before being approved to enter the country.
A notice released Wednesday in the Federal Register states that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing to collect five years of social media history from travelers in selected Visa Waiver Program countries. The change is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to expand digital and security screening for visitors and immigrants.
The proposal would affect citizens of more than 40 countries who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA allows eligible travelers to receive automated clearance for short-term business or tourism visits without attending in-person embassy interviews, unlike traditional visa applicants.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the program, notes that the Visa Waiver framework currently grants up to 90 days of travel for approved individuals but may soon require significantly more personal data as part of its pre-screening process.
SOURCE: WHSV3