Trump Administration's Immigration Policies and Social Media Scrutiny

The Trump administration's immigration policies have increasingly focused on enhancing scrutiny of immigrants through social media. According to The Verge, a proposal from U.S. Customs and Border Protection could require travelers from 42 countries to disclose their social media handles, making it mandatory to share social media history from the past five years as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization application.

This move, which builds on prior policies requiring visa applicants to provide their social media accounts, is seen as part of a broader trend to leverage digital footprints in immigration processes. El País reports that new proposed requirements would also include extensive personal information and biometric data, aiming to strengthen border security.

Critics argue that such measures could infringe on privacy rights and discourage international travel to the U.S., potentially damaging the country’s reputation globally. The Guardian highlights this immigration crackdown alongside new visa programs aimed at wealthy individuals, which critics say contradict the U.S.'s traditional image as a refuge for the hardworking poor, further complicating the ethical landscape surrounding immigration policies under the Trump administration.