A new proposal from the Trump administration could transform international travel to the United States in unprecedented ways.
Beyond standard customs checks, foreign visitors may soon face scrutiny of their social media activity, personal networks, and even health conditions — a move that raises questions about privacy, discrimination, and the limits of government vetting.
Stricter Requirements for Travelers
Tourists planning visits to iconic U.S. landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, or Lincoln Memorial may need to rethink their plans if the proposed rules are implemented. Under the plan, foreign visitors, including those eligible for the 90-day visa-free ESTA program (such as travelers from the United Kingdom), would be required to submit detailed personal information before being allowed entry.
The proposal would mandate:
Social media histories from the past five years, covering all platforms.
Phone numbers, email addresses, and personal information about family members, including names, addresses, and birthdates.
Biometric data, including a facial recognition selfie, fingerprints, iris scans, and potentially DNA.
These measures are part of a broader push to tighten immigration and border controls and are currently open for public comment for 60 days.
Health-Based Entry Restrictions
In addition to social media and biometric checks, visa officers have reportedly been instructed to deny entry to applicants with certain health conditions.
A November 6 State Department memo cited cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, cancers, diabetes, metabolic or neurological disorders, and mental health conditions as potential disqualifiers due to possible strain on U.S. healthcare resources.
Obesity is explicitly mentioned, given its association with conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, and hypertension. Applicants would also need to demonstrate the financial means to cover long-term healthcare costs without relying on government assistance.
Implications and Concerns
If implemented, these rules could significantly reshape international travel to the U.S. Social media monitoring, biometric collection, and health-based visa restrictions raise substantial privacy and ethical concerns. The proposal has already sparked debate over the balance between national security and individual freedoms, with critics warning it could discourage tourism, strain diplomatic relations, and disproportionately affect certain groups of travelers.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s proposed travel restrictions would make entering the United States a far more intrusive and complex process.
While intended to enhance security and manage healthcare resources, the policies raise serious questions about privacy, fairness, and the limits of government authority. Tourists and foreign governments alike may have to navigate a new landscape of scrutiny, documentation, and ethical dilemmas if the proposal moves forward.