Latest update April 6th, 2025 12:03 AM
Latest News
- Exxon admits to operating above production rates in EIAs
- Oil sinks to pandemic lows; metals, soybeans slump as China retaliates against U.S. Tariffs
- Israel has turned two-thirds of Gaza into no-go zones, UN says
- ‘If the President’s award means anything, he would terminate Ramson’- Protestors
- Power China, Kalpataru sign US$422M contracts for extension of transmission lines for GPL
ImmigrationINFO: Can U.S. Immigration Officers force you to unlock your cell phone and digital devices before you enter the U.S.?
By Attorney Gail Seeram
Gail S. Seeram
YES! Foreign travelers who are not U.S. citizens trying to enter the United States are not guaranteed entry into the United States. Instead, foreign travelers (including green card holders) apply for entry into the United States and everything on them is subject to search when they present their visa or green card at the airport (or port of entry).
The New York Times has reported that in 2015, U.S. Immigration Border Agents inspected 4,444 cell phones and 320 other electronic devices – 2016 statistics is unavailable.
Recently, many foreign travelers have reported that immigration and security inspections at the border/port of entry and airport have extended to digital devices (including laptops and cell phones). In this day and age, inspecting a digital device can be more intrusive than inspecting a suitcase. Most digital devices have access to personal emails, social media accounts, photos, videos, text, web browsing history, etc.
The bad news is that U.S. immigration officers can force a foreign traveler (non-U.S. citizen) to unlock their digital device (laptop, cell phone, tablet, etc.) and if the traveler refuses then the digital device can be seized. Also, U.S. immigration officers will most likely deny foreign travelers entry into the U.S. if they refuse to submit their digital device to inspection.
How can foreign travelers prepare digital devices for inspection?
- Power down the digital device before entering the airport or port of entry.
- Disable the touch ID and enable a passcode to turn on digital devices.
- Clear browsing history from web browser.
- Remove apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger and other chat apps.
- Remove social media apps and passwords from cell phones, tablets and laptops.
- Reduce the amount of data (including phone numbers) that are stored on your cell phones, tablets and laptops.
- Encrypt all data on your digital device.
Attorney Gail Seeram, [email protected]
FREE Consultation – Text or Call 407-292-7730
Live Chat – www.MyOrlandoImmigrationLawyer.com
Download our FREE App – Gail Law
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The One-Man Republic
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- There exists, tucked away on the margin of maps and minds, a country that has perfected... more
The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- Recent media stories have suggested that King Charles III could “invite” the United... more
Weekend Cartoon
