Travelers under scrutiny: The U.S. will deny visas if you have this content on your devices
The U.S. government may revoke a visa if it finds content that could violate the law or pose a security risk.
Travelers entering the United States may be subject to an inspection of their electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, if deemed necessary by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The agency states that these inspections are “integral to keeping America safe in an increasingly digital world.”
Why can CBP inspect electronic devices?
According to CBP, although these inspections occur infrequently, their purpose is to “identify and combat terrorist activity, drug smuggling, human smuggling, bulk cash smuggling, human trafficking, intellectual property rights violations and visa fraud, among other violations.”
They also help uncover digital contraband, such as child pornography, the illegal transfer of restricted or classified information, or other data subject to export controls. Inspections are also critical for determining a traveler’s intentions when entering the United States.
For example, CBP officers may conduct a review to determine whether a foreign national intends to work while holding a tourist or student visa. They may also assess whether a visa holder plans to overstay and reside in the United States unlawfully.
According to CBP, in fiscal year 2025, fewer than 0.01 percent of international travelers arriving at a U.S. port of entry were subjected to an inspection of their electronic devices.
The U.S. government continuously investigates visa holders
In addition to electronic device inspections, the Trump administration has implemented several measures to more closely evaluate applicants for immigration permits and benefits, including those applying for visas. The U.S. government also reviews holders of valid visas to detect irregularities and revoke them when necessary.
In August of last year, the Department of State revealed that millions of U.S. visa holders, including those with tourist visas, are subject to “continuous vetting” to identify any irregularities or violations indicating that they are no longer eligible to enter or remain in the country.
If a violation is found, the Trump administration may revoke the visa. If the visa holder is in the United States at the time the visa is revoked, authorities may deport them.
“We expect – and the law requires – all visa holders to demonstrate their eligibility every day their visa is valid. This includes respecting our laws, behaving appropriately according to their visa type, and continuing to meet these standards throughout their stay in our country,” wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an article published by Fox News in April of last year.
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