United States Strengthens Immigration Controls: Tourists and Residents Under Greater Scrutiny

President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified its immigration policies with a stricter approach at ports of entry. While his first term focused on the deportation of undocumented immigrants, this new phase also affects visa holders and legal residents.

Also Read: “United States Revokes Legal Status of Over 500,000 Immigrants”

Increased Control at Ports of Entry

Recent reports indicate that tourists and residents have been subjected to more rigorous interrogations, inspections of electronic devices, and even prolonged detentions in holding centers. Among the most notable cases are two German tourists who, after attempting to enter through the southern border, were held for weeks without translators or adequate legal assistance.

In addition, federal agents have carried out arrests within U.S. territory, such as that of a Georgetown University academic and the detention of students and professors at prestigious universities. These procedures have raised concerns among immigrant communities and have led allied countries like Germany to update their travel advisories to the United States.

Justification by the Trump Administration

The government has defended these actions on the grounds of protecting national security. Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the administration is strictly enforcing immigration laws and that anyone who violates them will face legal consequences.

In this regard, customs agents have increased the use of advanced databases and monitoring tools to detect potential risks among visitors. According to official reports, although less than 0.01% of international travelers have been subjected to electronic device inspections, agents have acted more aggressively following Trump’s recent executive order.

Impact and Reactions

The tightening of policies has caused uncertainty among travelers and legal residents. Some civil rights organizations have pointed out that these measures could be interpreted as a restriction on freedom of expression, especially in cases where deportations have been linked to individuals’ political opinions.

Moreover, the government has invoked rarely used provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to justify the expulsion of individuals deemed threats to U.S. interests. This strategy has led to the detention of protesters at universities, as well as the deportation of professionals with valid visas.

Future Outlook

With immigration policy at the heart of public debate, these measures are expected to continue evolving in the coming months. As the presidential elections approach, stances on immigration remain central to the political agenda and could influence the United States’ diplomatic relations with other nations.

The increased scrutiny of travelers and legal residents makes it clear that the Trump administration is committed to reinforcing its immigration policies with more aggressive strategies, raising questions about immigrants’ rights and the balance between national security and individual freedoms.

From https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/us/politics/trump-immigration-visa-crackdown.html 

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