New US Travel Rule: 5 Years of Social Media History From Foreign Visitors #trump #visa #immigration

Why It Matters

The rule could curb foreign travel, raise constitutional privacy concerns, and impose heavy compliance burdens on visa‑processing entities.

Key Takeaways

• US will require five years of social media data from visitors
• Applicants must disclose handles, emails, phone numbers, and metadata
• Biometric data including fingerprints, iris scans, and DNA may be demanded
• Rule stems from Executive Order 14161 signed by Trump
• Implementation pending, raising concerns over free speech and privacy

Summary

The United States is poised to implement a new travel‑rule that would obligate foreign nationals seeking a visa or entry to provide up to five years of their social‑media activity and extensive personal identifiers.

Under the proposal, applicants must surrender every handle, email address, phone number, IP address, photo metadata, parents’ names, dates and places of birth, residential history, facial‑recognition scans, fingerprints, iris scans and, where feasible, DNA samples. The rule cites Executive Order 14161, signed by President Trump on his second inauguration day, as its legal basis, though it has not yet taken effect.

The measure has been dubbed a “social‑media check” by the press. Leonard French, a copyright attorney featured in the video, asks whether a foreigner could criticize the U.S. government and still be allowed entry, highlighting the tension between security objectives and free‑speech rights.

If enforced, the requirement could deter tourism, increase compliance costs for embassies and travel agencies, and spark legal challenges over privacy and First‑Amendment protections, reshaping how the U.S. balances security with openness.

Original Description

President Trump's Executive Order 14161 has new stipulations which will require foreign nationals from certain countries to submit up to 5 years of their social media activity, as well as biometric information and family connections, for their visa applications.