Foreign tourists traveling with a visa or ESTA should take precautions because they are “most at risk.” Border control officers who check travelers’ documents at the airport have the right to refuse entry to the United States at their discretion. If they suspect you are there for a reason that doesn’t match what’s stated on your visa, you may be questioned in more detail.
Make sure you respect the terms of your visa and, above all, when applying, complete the form completely honestly.
The official entry rules have not changed, but a zero-tolerance policy is now applied at the borders.
It has been reported that some tourists have been refused entry because their LinkedIn profile noted that they were “open to new job opportunities” and authorities suspected them of wanting to work in the United States.
Green card holders are also sometimes stopped at the border for further checks.
Your phone: a wealth of information that can be used against you.
In addition to ensuring that your papers match your real intentions on U.S. soil, you must be very careful about what you post on social media. Border control agents can request a search of your phone, either manually or with a special device that will allow them to view the entire contents of your smartphone. Not all states require a warrant to conduct this search.
As reported by the Washington Post, some even recommend turning off your phone before crossing the border: this will prevent agents from accessing your device simply by holding it up to your face so that it unlocks automatically.
But the most valuable advice is to be honest and, if border control strongly resists, to waive entry to the United States. A safe and fast way to return home. No vacation, but no jail time.