Keylin Rivera’s worst fears materialized when she returned from a spring break trip to Curaçao. A U.S.-Colombian dual citizen, Rivera landed in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a layover before heading to Boston. At the airport’s Global Entry kiosk, her passport flagged her for additional screening. While this had happened before, she was usually cleared quickly. This time, however, officials escorted her to a back room, questioned her about her trip, and searched her luggage. Told it was a random check, she was eventually allowed to continue her journey but remained deeply unsettled.
“There’s so much uncertainty. We don’t know what could happen, and I’ve been really anxious about traveling in general,” said Rivera, a Harvard graduate student and former Biden administration appointee. Expecting heightened scrutiny, she had deleted her social media apps and removed Face ID from her phone before her trip. “I guess my question is, why wasn’t anyone else stopped? Why was I the only one?” she asked.
Her concerns reflect growing anxiety among U.S. citizens and legal residents over increased border scrutiny under the Trump administration. With reports of detentions, deportations, and visa cancellations, many are reconsidering international travel, fearing they could be flagged upon reentry.
Stricter Vetting Under the Trump Administration
Immigration lawyer Glenn Schieck of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP noted that officers now face directives to conduct “enhanced vetting” on those entering the U.S. “We are going to see more activity at the border,” he said. The Trump administration’s executive order from Jan. 20 emphasizes national security and mandates a review of visa issuance programs, with a possible travel ban affecting over 40 countries.
According to the order, the U.S. must ensure that foreign nationals “do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists.” Schieck believes this directive is leading to increased questioning at ports of entry.
Recent incidents highlight these stricter measures. Earlier this month, Lebanese physician and Brown University professor Rasha Alawieh was detained at Boston Logan International Airport after U.S. Customs and Border Protection found Hezbollah-related media on her phone. Her visa was revoked, and she was deported.
Colleges are warning international students about traveling abroad, particularly those who have been vocal about political conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war. A South Korean Columbia University student, Yunseo Chung, is facing deportation, while an Indian Ph.D. student recently self-deported to Canada.
Reports also suggest border officials are increasingly searching travelers’ electronic devices, adding to the uncertainty. “Things are changing quickly, and people don’t know if they will have trouble at the border or not,” Schieck said.
Legal Residents and Visa Holders Face Unprecedented Scrutiny
Lynn Damiano Pearson, a senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, noted that even individuals with valid immigration status face growing obstacles. “There’s been an extreme escalation of scrutiny and tougher actions against people with legal status,” she said.
The Trump administration’s potential travel ban, expected to take effect as early as Friday, could impact legal immigrants from affected countries. “We may see internal enforcement, including visa cancellations,” Pearson warned.
Even U.S. citizens in territories like Puerto Rico and Guam should not face travel issues, she said. However, she acknowledged concerns over racial profiling. “This escalation impacts all of us, citizens and immigrants alike,” Pearson said.
Americans Worry About Returning Home
Ginny Williams, a freelance writer with U.S.-U.K. dual citizenship, has lived in Kent, England, for over a decade. She plans to visit her aging parents in the U.S. in six months but fears complications at the border.
“I’m really concerned about going back,” she admitted. “If my parents weren’t elderly, I wouldn’t go.” She compared the current situation to pandemic-era travel restrictions but noted that “this time, it’s due to politics.”
Given recent events, Williams is considering deleting her social media accounts before traveling. “I just want to be safe,” she said.
Border Agents Have Broad Discretion
Schieck emphasized that border officials have significant authority when questioning travelers. “They have broad discretion to investigate, ask questions, and determine the purpose of someone’s trip,” he explained. “It applies whether you’re a citizen or a permanent resident.”
Misrepresentation at the border can lead to serious consequences, he added. A British tourist was recently detained in Washington for weeks after being denied entry into Canada due to an incorrect visa.
Pearson reassured green card holders that they should not experience problems if their documents are in order. However, she urged travelers to know their rights, including requesting an attorney if detained.
Uncertainty Dampens Travel Enthusiasm
Rivera remains discouraged by the heightened scrutiny and the political divisions it exacerbates. “I wish the administration didn’t see people who oppose their views as the enemy,” she said. “I’m not the enemy—I want them to succeed.”
Despite her concerns, she is set to travel again this week. “I know I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m a U.S. citizen,” she said. “But I hate that the joy I had in traveling is being taken away.”