What's Happening?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed new regulations that would require foreign travelers entering the United States to undergo expanded biometric screening and digital reporting. This
proposal includes mandatory selfie uploads and a mobile-only application for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Travelers may also need to provide social media accounts, phone numbers, and other personal data from the past several years. The changes aim to improve identity verification and reduce fraud, following a January executive order targeting foreign terrorist threats. The proposal is currently open for public comment and is not yet a final rule.
Why It's Important?
The proposed changes by CBP could significantly impact international travel to the United States, particularly for visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries. By increasing the scrutiny of digital and biometric data, the U.S. aims to enhance national security and prevent fraud. However, these measures may also deter international visitors, potentially affecting the U.S. tourism industry and its competitiveness. Immigration attorneys have expressed concerns that increased social media vetting could be used to deny visas, raising issues of privacy and freedom of expression.
What's Next?
The public has until February 9 to submit comments on the proposed changes. CBP will review these comments as part of the rulemaking process. If implemented, the new rules could lead to longer processing times for visa applications and increased scrutiny at U.S. borders. Stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry may lobby against the changes, citing potential negative impacts on international travel and tourism revenue.
