Indian Tourists Face Intense Scrutiny At US Airports
The US state department has expanded online presence reviews for several non-immigrant visa categories. These include H-1B and H-4 applicants, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor applicants. Applicants in these categories have been instructed to make their social media profiles public to facilitate screening
Hyderabad: Several Indian tourists travelling to the United States are reportedly facing additional questioning at airports, with some being asked to show their social media profiles during immigration checks, raising concerns among travellers about increased scrutiny at US ports of entry.
The US state department has expanded online presence reviews for several non-immigrant visa categories. These include H-1B and H-4 applicants, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor applicants. Applicants in these categories have been instructed to make their social media profiles public to facilitate screening.
However, no rule currently requires B-1/B-2 tourists to undergo social media screening. For Indian travellers, the reported questioning has added uncertainty to an already closely watched US entry process.
Saritha, a woman from Hyderabad who went to California to visit her family, said, “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.”
“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,” Saritha further said.
Another tourist, who requested anonymity, said, “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.”
US Customs and Border Protection officers have broad authority to question travellers about their purpose of travel, intended length of stay, accommodation, finances and other circumstances before deciding whether to admit them.
Immigration consultants advised travellers to carry clear details of their itinerary, return tickets, accommodation and the purpose of their visit.
