New rules for journalists entering USA

 

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has advised journalists traveling to the United States to take special precautions, citing growing concerns over potential new travel restrictions and increased scrutiny at U.S. borders under President Donald Trump's administration.

It is particularly aimed at those covering politically sensitive stories and offered detailed legal, digital, and physical safety recommendations to help reporters navigate potential border searches, surveillance, and the risk of being detained or denied entry to the U.S.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and the CPJ for comment.

Why It Matters

The advisory follows reports that the Trump administration is weighing a new proposal to restrict entry from more than 40 countries, including Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and several African nations.

These potential bans echo Trump-era policies from his first term, previously upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. CPJ warned that implementation could occur with little public notice, urging media workers to prepare in advance for possible disruptions.

Several countries have toughened advisories for citizens wishing to travel to the U.S. under the Trump administration — warning them there could be greater scrutiny at borders after some foreign travelers were turned back.

What to Know

Among the CPJ's central concerns is the broad authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect travelers' electronic devices without a warrant or probable cause.

Reporters may be asked to unlock phones, laptops, or social media accounts, which could lead to sensitive material being copied or stored. Refusal to comply may result in extended questioning, confiscation of devices, or denial of entry—particularly for non-citizens and dual nationals.

"I have already experienced these border searches and they reminded me of the atmosphere of dystopian authoritarian states where people fear the government for saying the wrong thing not just in public but even in private communications," Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast told Newsweek.

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