There’s a story that’s going viral about two German teenagers who entered the United States to go backpacking, only to be handcuffed, strip searched, jailed, and then deported the next day.
Of course in recent times there has been lots of talk of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. While I have a lot of criticisms of Trump, this is something that his administration can’t be blamed for, in my opinion. Nonetheless, I think this story has some important reminders for travelers.
In this post:
German teenagers face scrutiny at border in Hawaii
This story was first reported in Germany’s Ostsee-Zeitung a couple of weeks ago, and then ended up being picked up by Beat of Hawaii. However, the travelers have now also shared their story directly on Reddit. Below is their version of events, and then in the next section, I’ll share my take…
“Please be careful – we were deported from the U.S. for just wanting to backpack”
“I want to share what happened to me and my best friend last month when we tried to begin our backpacking trip in the U.S. Maybe it helps someone avoid the same nightmare.”
“We are 19 and 18 years old, from Europe, and we arrived in Honolulu from New Zealand, with the plan to explore the islands first, and then fly to the mainland after to explore California. We had booked only the first 2 nights in an Airbnb, just to be flexible with our plans – like we did in New Zealand, and like many backpackers do. We had the onward ticket to the next destination in Asia but didn’t book domestic flights in the U.S. for the same reason.”
“At passport control they took us aside for ‘additional questions.’ At first we didn’t think it was such a big thing, but then it became very intense. They were asking us why we didn’t book more nights or domestic flights, what our plans were, how we can afford to travel, and especially about work. We do sometimes small freelance jobs online (like translating or design stuff, for customers back in Germany and sometimes also Asia, not the U.S.), and we mentioned that – which was maybe the biggest mistake. It was also in the e-mails that they accessed.”
“After a while they told us we are not allowed to enter the U.S., that we are ‘inadmissible.’ They said we were trying to work illegally, which we didn’t. We had onwards tickets and just wanted to travel.”
“But they didn’t care. They took our phones, our passports, and put us in handcuffs – that moment was surreal. Like, you’re a tourist and now you’re treated like criminal. They wanted to send us back to Auckland on the next flight, but we asked to rebook our onwards tickets for the day after, so we could continue with our travels. They agreed but said that we will be detained for the night. We agreed, having no idea what to expect, thinking that we would maybe wait in the same room that they interviewed us. But no.”
“They drove us to the detention center in Honolulu. I think it was called FDC prison, close to the airport. It was a real jail. Metal doors, locked cells, cold air. And they made us do a full strip search. It was really cold. We had to undress completely, including bra and underwear, and even had to squat and spread… I don’t want to describe it in too much detail, but it was humiliating and scary. We were alone with a female officer, but still… you don’t expect that as a tourist.”
“After that they gave us green prison clothes and put us in a cell overnight with two other women – who were actually bragging to us about their cartel connections and implying that they were serious criminals. It felt like a movie, but not a nice one. Of course we didn’t not sleep even for a minute. I’m not picky, but the food was another horror story.”
“The next day they stripped us down again, we changed back into our clothes, and they took us straight to our plane – two officers returned our passports and escorted us to our seats as the door was about to close. Just like that. They also told us that if we want to come to the U.S. again, we cannot use a visa free system anymore.”
“So yeah… please be very careful if you plan to backpack in the U.S. Book all your accommodation in advance (even if you plan to change later). There are many fully refundable options – and we thought about it, but decided that it wouldn’t be necessary. And don’t mention any remote work or freelancing and make sure to log out of any e-mails that could be used as evidence of it. And know that if something goes wrong, it’s not just ‘denied entry’ – it’s jail, strip search, and total loss of control.”
“We are still totally shaken from it and feel like we did something wrong, even if we didn’t mean to. Just wanted to share, because I would have never imagined this could happen. My feeling is that backpacking culture isn’t understood or accepted at U.S. borders right now. Be careful!”
What a scary and frustrating travel experience
As I see it, there are two main issues at play here — the travelers being denied entry, and how they were treated while they were awaiting their deportation.
Regarding being denied entry, unfortunately I can’t say that I’m surprised:
- A lot of immigration officers do view it as suspicious if you don’t have hotels booked, and can’t prove that you have the funds for the duration of your stay (and they were planning on spending weeks in the United States)
- Their admission of that caused them to be investigated more closely, and then it was determined that they planned to do some freelance work while visiting the country
I think immigration rules around remote work are sometimes so dumb (and don’t really reflect the times), but just don’t admit it, or avoid being in a situation where you’re even asked about that. Of course they had no bad intentions, but this is hardly unique to the United States, or to any new Trump policy. I can’t count the number of episodes of “Border Security: Australia’s Front Line” that I’ve seen, where travelers are denied entry for similar reasons.
Now, the part of this story that surprises me is how they were detained, as they were transported to a local jail, and had to spend the night there. This is far from my area of expertise, but I was under the impression that people are typically held in airport cells when they await deportation in situations like this, when there was no criminal intent.
It sounds like the pair had asked to be deported to Japan rather than New Zealand. So was the transport to the jail simply because of how much time they were spending on the ground prior to the next flight, or what? Perhaps the added lesson there is that if they requested to be deported on a particular flight, it would’ve made sense to ask about where they’d be held, how long the wait would be, etc.
All-in-all, this story just makes me sad. You have two young adults who are just trying to explore the world and mean no harm to others, yet they end up in a situation where they’re being strip searched in a jail. Of course I understand that countries have to enforce their immigration laws and often don’t have much flexibility. But still, the end result is just a reminder of how travel can have its challenges.
Bottom line
Two German backpackers had an unpleasant experience trying to enter the United States. Immigration officials became suspicious when the pair only had accommodations booked for two nights, despite planning on staying in the country for weeks.
When one of the friends mentioned she also does some freelance work to support herself, immigration officers decided that violated the terms of their tourist visa, so the decision was made to deport them. The situation got much worse when the pair were handcuffed and transported to a local jail, where they were strip searched, and had to spend the night there.
I think there are a lot of lessons here, especially for young travelers, so always have your guard up at immigration, and be ready.
What do you make of this story of denied entry to the US?
You never know what type of officer you're doing to get at passport control. They might be friendly, relaxed, and engage in casual banter while they process you. They also might be an officious, supercilious little Tin Hitler who loves the rule-book as much as they hate sin, and will put your through the third degree, examine your devices, and make the entire process as long and miserable as possible because they're protecting God, the...
You never know what type of officer you're doing to get at passport control. They might be friendly, relaxed, and engage in casual banter while they process you. They also might be an officious, supercilious little Tin Hitler who loves the rule-book as much as they hate sin, and will put your through the third degree, examine your devices, and make the entire process as long and miserable as possible because they're protecting God, the constitution, and the United States. You never know what you're gonna get...
I honestly fear that the Visa Waiver Programme will shortly form part of the tools Trump will use in his negotiations on tariffs and other annoyances that are getting to him, the reciprocal action will kill travel to the US and its hospitality sector.
The only way this will stop is when the EU starts reciprocating in like these deportations. I'm sorry, but two girls with German passports should not raise suspicions. How many American 20 year olds have and do travel to the EU for months every summer? No reservations. Backpacking. Or ad hoc moving around to hostels etc. I say the EU needs to start deporting them back as well. This will open eyes quickly to the...
The only way this will stop is when the EU starts reciprocating in like these deportations. I'm sorry, but two girls with German passports should not raise suspicions. How many American 20 year olds have and do travel to the EU for months every summer? No reservations. Backpacking. Or ad hoc moving around to hostels etc. I say the EU needs to start deporting them back as well. This will open eyes quickly to the nonsense. Otherwise it will go unchecked and Trump and his Gestapo will continue to get more emboldened.
Matthew at LALF had a story about this two years ago. A prominent woman in her 40's from Austria being detained for hours because, "she was traveling without her husband." She was eventually let in that night. But I bet now they would not.
I'm all in favour of Australia removing the right for US passport holders to use the eGates for a while, and making them line-up in the "other" passport queue. Other nations should consider doing the same.
Agreed. I think this is the only way to stop this. It needs to be made clear that until this stops in the U.S. there will like actions across the world. Americans are no longer welcome.
I don't think the denied entry itself is that unjustifiable, people are denied entry from the borders of sovereign nations all the time. On average, I think the overwhelming majority of Americans aren't even against having strict border control and deportations themselves.
But it's the treatment during the process and afterwards that is the inhumane part. Sending people to detention centers, strip searches, all that is what the normal people are calling for an end...
I don't think the denied entry itself is that unjustifiable, people are denied entry from the borders of sovereign nations all the time. On average, I think the overwhelming majority of Americans aren't even against having strict border control and deportations themselves.
But it's the treatment during the process and afterwards that is the inhumane part. Sending people to detention centers, strip searches, all that is what the normal people are calling for an end to.
Such a sad, ridiculous story, shining light on how cruel America has become. It was technically correct, based on a strict interpretation of immigration and visa laws, to deny entry to these teenagers. Was the rest of their treatment appropriate? Fuck no. They posed no threat to the safety and security of the United States. How in the fuck is a strip search necessary? Why is there not a minimum security holding facility in these...
Such a sad, ridiculous story, shining light on how cruel America has become. It was technically correct, based on a strict interpretation of immigration and visa laws, to deny entry to these teenagers. Was the rest of their treatment appropriate? Fuck no. They posed no threat to the safety and security of the United States. How in the fuck is a strip search necessary? Why is there not a minimum security holding facility in these major international airports? What if these women were assaulted by other prisoners? Another example of how basic human decency has completely disappeared. Being proud of the CBP officials who made these decisions is just insane. Kristi Noem isn't going to show up with a deputy sheriff badge for you.
And Australia is draconian, too.
Someone got a flower from Qatar Airways. They kept it and were fined over $1000. This was a travel blogger. They aren't bragging or playing it up. Instead, they don't write about it except at the time.
I was threatened with deportation and fine when Air New Zealand gave me a square packet of crackers which I put in my zipper pouch of my carry on bag. Australia caught it upon arrival.
That travel blogger would have signed a declaration that they had no plant material with them. They made a false declaration on an official document. All you have to do is declare it, and if it's something like a pack of crackers they'll wave you straight through. Immigration and customs agents are assholes the world over. If you tick the boxes on their precious forms properly you should be ok.
It's simply not the time to travel to the US.
My family and I already changed a cruise from the US to one departing from Italy. A much better and cheaper destination, safer, and avoiding xenophobic and empowered border guards.
Tourism is for relaxing...
The experience of these German teenagers reflects a troubling misapplication of CBP discretionary authority. Under CBP Directive No. 3340-043, officers must "exercise discretion judiciously and in a manner consistent with the facts of the case" (Sec. 2.6) and "expansively consider" discretion for "minor or technical violations" with "apparent bona fide travel" (Sec. 6.2.2). The directive explicitly states discretion should "minimize hardship" (Sec. 6.2.2).
While mentioning freelance work may constitute a technical violation, their treatment—handcuffing,...
The experience of these German teenagers reflects a troubling misapplication of CBP discretionary authority. Under CBP Directive No. 3340-043, officers must "exercise discretion judiciously and in a manner consistent with the facts of the case" (Sec. 2.6) and "expansively consider" discretion for "minor or technical violations" with "apparent bona fide travel" (Sec. 6.2.2). The directive explicitly states discretion should "minimize hardship" (Sec. 6.2.2).
While mentioning freelance work may constitute a technical violation, their treatment—handcuffing, strip searches, criminal detention—directly contradicts policy guidance that "all officers and managers must maintain the highest levels of professionalism" and "courtesy to the traveling public" (Sec. 4). The mandatory "Discretionary Checklist" process appears to have been ignored.
CBP's own guidance specifically recommends withdrawal of application over removal for non-criminal violations. The unnecessary trauma inflicted on these young travelers damages America's reputation and tourism industry.
Tl;dr - Despite CBP Directive No. 3340-043 explicitly recommending lenient handling of "minor violations" with "apparent bona fide travel," these German teenagers endured unnecessarily harsh treatment including handcuffing, strip searches, and criminal detention—actions that contradict the agency's own guidance to "minimize hardship" and exercise discretion judiciously.
Exactly right. Just because a CBP officer has the *authority* to take draconian actions against teens who obviously just didn't understand the rules, doesn't mean that they *should* ever do that in a situation like this. The Trump Administration could easily clarify to officers that it's not necessary to be so aggressive in situations like this, but I guess it just doesn't care about how much this kind of behavior is going to drive down foreign tourism.
100%. It's a clear Section 2.5 situation where the purpose of the visit is "apparent bona fide travel" and any incidental online work would fall under the "minor or technical violations" category (especially factoring in the face that unfamiliarity with the laws and/or language of the United States can lead to some inadvertent violations (Section 7.6.9).
Weighing all factors and considering the totality of the circumstances - the spirit of the law as reflected...
100%. It's a clear Section 2.5 situation where the purpose of the visit is "apparent bona fide travel" and any incidental online work would fall under the "minor or technical violations" category (especially factoring in the face that unfamiliarity with the laws and/or language of the United States can lead to some inadvertent violations (Section 7.6.9).
Weighing all factors and considering the totality of the circumstances - the spirit of the law as reflected in CBP's own directive appears to support a much more lenient approach than what occurred in this case.
Don't forget that the majority of these officers have minimal education and are entrusted with making decisions that greatly impact the lives of others.
When it comes to CBP officers, "they're not sending us their best", as the Mad Orange God-King would say.
For everyone who doesn’t understand the concept of a left biased media spewing fake news - please go read this article in the main stream media. They’re all reporting they were denied entry due to not having the lodging, and completely leaving out the fact that it was because of their intent to work. Even Trump-hating Ben understands this isn’t new or a Trump thing (thanks Ben).
You can’t hate the media enough.
Media is covering about Pope Francis.
Your Lord Trump’s Fox News is the biggest problem child of the major TV media out there. And the right-wing media echo chamber — and that includes CNN and the news articles in the NYTimes and other major print media that semi-whitewash the Trumpublican regime’s actions — are also helping MAGA along.
Weird take. Nothing Ben has written indicates that he hates Donald Trump. Fascinating how MAGAs and Trumpers are obsessed with either being loved or hated. I barely think about you guys at all, and on the rare occasion that I do, I move on rather quickly. I'll have forgotten about this before day's end in fact.
@Sel
If these two were considered to be "working" in the U.S. we must assume that anyone entering the U.S. and checking work emails while on holiday is "working." That anyone attending a conference or meeting is "working in the U.S." That anyone who wants to attend a writing retreat in Iowa to work on a book is "working in the U.S." Or the yoga instructor from Austria attending a workshop here to gain new...
@Sel
If these two were considered to be "working" in the U.S. we must assume that anyone entering the U.S. and checking work emails while on holiday is "working." That anyone attending a conference or meeting is "working in the U.S." That anyone who wants to attend a writing retreat in Iowa to work on a book is "working in the U.S." Or the yoga instructor from Austria attending a workshop here to gain new skills is "working in the U.S."
Given this, you are condoning that travel to any other nation should mean no laptop, no communication, no business meetings, no retreats, no educational workshops. Nothing. Lay on a beach and stare at the water.
Ridiculous.
4 comments and nothing contesting what I stated which was categorically true. The news media is lying to you, but go ahead and keep those blinders on.
There's nothing to contest because your assertion is entirely conjecture unless you have the CBP officer's testimony to present. The girls' statement did not say that they planned to work while in the US, only that the funds they had available was due to freelance work for customers not in the US. Per their statement, they also already had their onward ticket from the US to Asia, just no domestic flights purchased and only a...
There's nothing to contest because your assertion is entirely conjecture unless you have the CBP officer's testimony to present. The girls' statement did not say that they planned to work while in the US, only that the funds they had available was due to freelance work for customers not in the US. Per their statement, they also already had their onward ticket from the US to Asia, just no domestic flights purchased and only a few nights booked in Hawaii for flexibility.
Per their statement, the CBP agent was suspicious first because of the lack of domestic bookings (which is silly, a LOT of people do this) and then demanded proof of funds. They presented that and said it was earned by working freelance, this then triggered the rejection. From what we know from their statement the rejection was entirely on the SUSPICION that they would work while in the US.
And FWIW, the only conservative reporting on this I've seen at all is from the NY Post, and it repeats the same line as the "left" outlets, but keep wringing your hands over this supposed "fake news".
Where is that fake Skadden Arps when you need some fake legal advice?
Lucky I think you’re above what you said in the article. Recommending people lie to immigration officials to illegally enter a country is pretty extreme, even if somehow well intended. You even recommend not selling miles because it’s against the terms, and this is well beyond that.
The more interesting question though, is are you working every single time you’re on a review trip? Only if you’re actively writing posts? Strange gray area.
Whomst among us has never entered a country on a tourist visa and then worked remotely anyways?
@Dusty: yup. I'm wondering, all those times I went on vacation overseas and then has some Zoom calls for work, or replied to some emails, or did pretty much anything work-related - was I violating some law?
And if not, why would it be any different if these kids were doing freelance work to sell overseas rather than work for an overseas employer?
You were, I was, Sel D was. It's something that law generally hasn't kept up with, except as Sean M. was pointing out for the UK elsewhere in this section.
Welcome to the failed state banana republic of USA.
Avoid at all costs.
They watched too many 70s and 80s hippy movies. American isn’t like that anymore.
Nah, it's still there. They just moved from Woodstock to TikTok with little richer parents and dress better.
Feel terrible for what these girls went through. Couldn't imagine something like this happening to my daughter. We can speculate all we want about what their intentions were in visiting the US but let's not confuse that this is a Trump doing or a USA doing. This happens all over the world and it's not an isolated thing to the US. There are immigration and visa rules for a reason.
A German newspaper reported a few days ago the the number of German tourists travelling to the US this year is down by 25%.
My generation was encouraged by the Fulbright Foundation Program (a United States cultural exchange program with the goal of improving intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries) to visit the US and even stay for a year in school there. This...
A German newspaper reported a few days ago the the number of German tourists travelling to the US this year is down by 25%.
My generation was encouraged by the Fulbright Foundation Program (a United States cultural exchange program with the goal of improving intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries) to visit the US and even stay for a year in school there. This formed our positive views of the US.
These teenagers will carry a different view of the US into their adulthood.
I work for a large luxury fashion house and the turnover of our biggest category in Germany is down 22% since the start of the year. Their economy is not doing well and people are much more wary with their disposable income. Not everything is about Trump.
Uh-huh, Vlad. Now, if a German who's worried about the economy WERE worried about where to go during there 8 weeks of paid vacation, do you think the US would be the first place on the list?
America welcomes people who know and respect the rules and come in following them and are ready to work hard, and they will climb all the ladders of society they dream of based on merit and hard work
This is my experience and it is still like that
We need to follow rules, no matter how hard or seemingly wrong, to keep the Society an equitable and just Society. Socrates said that a...
America welcomes people who know and respect the rules and come in following them and are ready to work hard, and they will climb all the ladders of society they dream of based on merit and hard work
This is my experience and it is still like that
We need to follow rules, no matter how hard or seemingly wrong, to keep the Society an equitable and just Society. Socrates said that a while ago
We are all immigrants and we love immigrants they are the lifeblood
The girls made a honest mistake and it's unfortunate. I would not demonize a country starting from one
or fewer occurrences
Hi Elon.
Hi UncleSnowflake
On the contrary, Elon would probably do everything but follow the rules.
Retired Customs here.
They intended to work. The rules are black and white. They have been enforced this way since visa waiver.
The FIS is not a hotel. If the paperwork can be completed, we try to get them on the return aircraft. Some intl carriers have multiple flights and it’s much easier as they would just wait inside immigration secondary.
ICE is responsible for detention. They would arrive in the evening....
Retired Customs here.
They intended to work. The rules are black and white. They have been enforced this way since visa waiver.
The FIS is not a hotel. If the paperwork can be completed, we try to get them on the return aircraft. Some intl carriers have multiple flights and it’s much easier as they would just wait inside immigration secondary.
ICE is responsible for detention. They would arrive in the evening. If we missed the pickup time, on rare occasions, a deportee could stay/sleep in secondary. We are obligated to provide them food and it must go through several supervisor approvals.
What these German teens don’t understand is there country does the exact same thing.
I can’t stand Trump but come on. You violated the rules. Spoiler alert: it has consequences.
Thank Christ you’re retired; one less arsewipe Boomer for the rest of us to have to deal with. Sounds like you’d be a blast at parties, mate.
"Thank Christ you’re retired; one less arsewipe Boomer for the rest of us to have to deal with. Sounds like you’d be a blast at parties, mate."
Better that than a bleeding heart who's idea of immigration amounts to let them in if they have a sad story and never deport them unless they commit a serious violent felony.
If you sound like bigot, you probably are a (fill in the blank).
Respectfully @StevenK, while your experience is appreciated, CBP Directive No. 3340-043 actually doesn't support the "black and white" enforcement you describe. The directive explicitly requires officers to "expansively consider" discretion for "minor or technical violations" with "apparent bona fide travel" (Sec. 6.2.2) and states discretion should "minimize hardship" in such cases.
The mandatory "Discretionary Checklist" process exists precisely because these situations aren't black and white. Section 2.5 states this discretion applies to "cases involving technical...
Respectfully @StevenK, while your experience is appreciated, CBP Directive No. 3340-043 actually doesn't support the "black and white" enforcement you describe. The directive explicitly requires officers to "expansively consider" discretion for "minor or technical violations" with "apparent bona fide travel" (Sec. 6.2.2) and states discretion should "minimize hardship" in such cases.
The mandatory "Discretionary Checklist" process exists precisely because these situations aren't black and white. Section 2.5 states this discretion applies to "cases involving technical inadmissibility, minor violations, and apparent bona fide travel, where refusal of admission or withdrawal of application would involve detention or undue hardship."
For visa waiver travelers, Section 8.4.1 specifically recommends withdrawal of application rather than removal for non-criminal violations. The directive never suggests that mentioning online freelance work requires the full detention protocol these teens experienced.
While you're correct that ICE handles detention logistics, the initial discretionary decision rests with CBP officers, who are directed to "maintain the highest levels of professionalism" and "courtesy to the traveling public" (Sec. 4).
This isn't about Trump or politics - it's about applying CBP's own established procedures consistently.
If you sound like bigot, you probably are a (fill in the blank).
I appreciate your response. I worked at LAX. Usually when there is more than one issue involved, the directive is not applicable. Since the officers suspected work and they had no lodging, it’s tough. HNL is probably not 24/7 so we have no other option but to transfer them to ICE custody. At LAX, immigration secondary was usually staffed and if the flight was within 6-8 hours we would keep them at airport. What do...
I appreciate your response. I worked at LAX. Usually when there is more than one issue involved, the directive is not applicable. Since the officers suspected work and they had no lodging, it’s tough. HNL is probably not 24/7 so we have no other option but to transfer them to ICE custody. At LAX, immigration secondary was usually staffed and if the flight was within 6-8 hours we would keep them at airport. What do we do if the carrier cannot accommodate and they have no seats on a return flight? We would have to wait or find alternate routing. No reason to handcuff in the FIS. A pat down yes. We are in a secure area. ICE would have handcuffed them for the van ride to the detention facility. Security cameras everywhere. The pat down would have been with two female officers. You get a number of chances to tell your side of the story and explain your plans. If you can’t articulate those plans, not much can be done.
As Latinos we get flagged all the time, it sucks, and apparently, it's shocking when it happens to Europeans, I do see some equality but not the nice kind ahaha, anyway that sort of tourism form Europe and well the U.S. has been becoming a problem in recent years, where they come with a small budget to have a "backpacking adventure" that sometimes even means begging for money, but as always that only works in...
As Latinos we get flagged all the time, it sucks, and apparently, it's shocking when it happens to Europeans, I do see some equality but not the nice kind ahaha, anyway that sort of tourism form Europe and well the U.S. has been becoming a problem in recent years, where they come with a small budget to have a "backpacking adventure" that sometimes even means begging for money, but as always that only works in "developing countries" the rich ones are not kind to small budget travelers, it's a rude awakening for those travelers but well in the world as it is only the rich can roam it freely
Welcome to the Land of Unlimited Suspicion
It’s always a pleasure: You step off a plane in the U.S., only to be greeted by a CBP officer who seems to have watched too many Hollywood thrillers and read too few global labor reports. My personal case? Three credit cards, a first-class ticket, and a line-up of hotel reservations fit for a G7 summit—and yet, the officer was convinced I was secretly here to work. Probably...
Welcome to the Land of Unlimited Suspicion
It’s always a pleasure: You step off a plane in the U.S., only to be greeted by a CBP officer who seems to have watched too many Hollywood thrillers and read too few global labor reports. My personal case? Three credit cards, a first-class ticket, and a line-up of hotel reservations fit for a G7 summit—and yet, the officer was convinced I was secretly here to work. Probably as a dishwasher at the Ritz.
Apparently, the idea that someone wouldn't want to abandon their life in Germany to toil away in a country where a simple case of the flu can lead to bankruptcy is simply inconceivable. Maybe it's because they haven’t quite come to terms with what American working conditions look like from the outside. Or maybe they’ve just started to believe their own PR.
Because of course—who hasn’t heard about the wave of German professionals flocking to Kansas and Missouri to finally live the American Dream: 60-hour workweeks, no parental leave, no health insurance, and a “job security” policy written on the back of a napkin. What an irresistible offer!
And just when you think it couldn’t get any more ironic, you're hit with a barrage of clichés (“Germans are arrogant, aloof, work too much”)—delivered by someone who, judging by the accent and surname, probably didn’t grow up in Nebraska either. I suppose that was meant to be cultural awareness. Nice try.
Maybe it’s time someone let U.S. immigration know that the world has moved on. Europe isn’t just the annoying guest sleeping on America's couch anymore, and the U.S. is no longer the undisputed top destination for ambitious professionals. There are countries with real healthcare systems, functioning schools, and labor laws that don’t look like a corporate wish list.
But hey—maybe clinging to the illusion that everyone wants to be here is just the kind of emotional support the U.S. needs right now. God knows, they’re not getting it from their infrastructure.
Europe AND Germany have a significantly higher cancer death rate than the US because of their inferior health care system.
The US did not gas (kill) concentration camp prisoners by the millions. True, there were some Japanese-Americans (none executed) but not on the scale as Auschwitz and Dachau (millions put to death).
True, America can be goofy and Trump has bad hair. That I will admit.
“Europe AND Germany…their inferior health care system”
Ahaha. Ahahahahaha. Inferior in that every citizen is entitled to free healthcare and is not bankrupted as a result? Enjoying safety nets with pharmaceuticals regardless of wealth? Is that the inferiority of which you speak? You’re truly a dickhead, mate, and p.s. the rest of the world LAUGHS at you.
Oh sure, Germany and Europe — total losers, folks. With their so-called “universal healthcare.” Everybody’s covered? Nobody goes bankrupt when they go to the hospital? Disgraceful. Absolutely terrible. I mean, who wants free healthcare when you can get a surprise bill bigger than your mortgage? That’s the American Dream, baby!
Here in the U.S., we do it the best — nobody does it better, believe me. People get sick, they lose their homes, sometimes their...
Oh sure, Germany and Europe — total losers, folks. With their so-called “universal healthcare.” Everybody’s covered? Nobody goes bankrupt when they go to the hospital? Disgraceful. Absolutely terrible. I mean, who wants free healthcare when you can get a surprise bill bigger than your mortgage? That’s the American Dream, baby!
Here in the U.S., we do it the best — nobody does it better, believe me. People get sick, they lose their homes, sometimes their cars — it’s called freedom. In Europe? They call an ambulance, they get treated, and guess what — no bill. NO BILL! How do you teach people responsibility with that kind of nonsense? You don’t. It’s pathetic.
And this whole “affordable medicine for everyone” garbage? DISGUSTING. Only poor people want that. We don’t do that here. We say: If you can’t pay, maybe don’t get sick. That’s called accountability.
So yeah, keep sitting in your fancy socialist hospitals with your pain-free treatment and zero debt. Meanwhile, we’re out here paying $500 for an aspirin and loving it.
We’re winning. Big league. Everyone’s talking about it. Tremendous success. You’ll see.
There it is: Godwin's rule. When you have no arguments but have to refer to WW2. Though, please read the history books about the US' history on genocide.
The health care system is not inferior. On the contrary, by global experts it is generally considered to be superior to the US system.
With regard to the difference in cancer deaths: yes, the EU has a slightly, yet significant (you know what the difference...
There it is: Godwin's rule. When you have no arguments but have to refer to WW2. Though, please read the history books about the US' history on genocide.
The health care system is not inferior. On the contrary, by global experts it is generally considered to be superior to the US system.
With regard to the difference in cancer deaths: yes, the EU has a slightly, yet significant (you know what the difference is, righty?), higher cancer death rate. This cannot be attributed to differences in the healthcare system. The EU has a higher life expectancy (you remember what I wrote about the better healthcare system in the EU?) and therefore a higher portion of 65+ residents. The higher the portion of elderly people in a population, the higher the cancer rates, the higher the number of cancer related deaths. However, when you have cancer the chances of dying of that cancer is about the same in the EU as in the US.
So, no. The US isn't superior in healthcare. Nor in genocides for that matter.
Best, a EU-doctor.
The EU does have a crappy health care system. I have seen it myself. They do crappy stuff that would result in a huge lawsuit if it happened in the USA. They even lack privacy safeguards, like having your physical exam in a group clinic room (albeit the head and neck examined and not the naked body).
The US does have shortcomings but nobody is made bankrupt if they are poor or rich or have...
The EU does have a crappy health care system. I have seen it myself. They do crappy stuff that would result in a huge lawsuit if it happened in the USA. They even lack privacy safeguards, like having your physical exam in a group clinic room (albeit the head and neck examined and not the naked body).
The US does have shortcomings but nobody is made bankrupt if they are poor or rich or have a corporate job. Obamacare limits the maximum out of pocket payment though if someone has a rare and expensive disease that has weird treatment, sometimes they are out of pocket more, which sucks.
I have been in the hospital in 6 countries (Europe, North America, Asia) and a doctor's office in country #7 so I have experience. Call that misfortune, ha ha.
And once again the Derek, as usual, is wrong. Do you have anything better to do. The US ranks near the bottom of industrial nations in cancer mortality.
@Jason, look at this article quote....
List of Cancer Survival Rates By Country 2024
... The United States leads with the highest overall survival rates. Early detection remains crucial for improving outcomes, as highlighted by the CONCORD-3 report's comprehensive analysis.
...Examples are Breast cancer: survival rate USA 88.6%, UK 81.1.%....Lung cancer USA 18.7%, UK 9.6% .... Stomach cancer 29.1%, UK 18.5%, South Africa is 0%. So the survival rate of lung cancer is double in...
@Jason, look at this article quote....
List of Cancer Survival Rates By Country 2024
... The United States leads with the highest overall survival rates. Early detection remains crucial for improving outcomes, as highlighted by the CONCORD-3 report's comprehensive analysis.
...Examples are Breast cancer: survival rate USA 88.6%, UK 81.1.%....Lung cancer USA 18.7%, UK 9.6% .... Stomach cancer 29.1%, UK 18.5%, South Africa is 0%. So the survival rate of lung cancer is double in the USA versus UK.
Oh, I get it now! Because Nazi Germany ran concentration camps, all of Europe is morally disqualified? Interesting logic. By that standard, I guess we should blame all Americans for Guantanamo Bay, or for Vietnam, Iraq, waterboarding, and the McRib.
And as for the cancer statistics? Brilliant. Because some number from an OECD report is out there, that must mean America’s healthcare system is automatically superior, right? Of course. I guess people in the U.S....
Oh, I get it now! Because Nazi Germany ran concentration camps, all of Europe is morally disqualified? Interesting logic. By that standard, I guess we should blame all Americans for Guantanamo Bay, or for Vietnam, Iraq, waterboarding, and the McRib.
And as for the cancer statistics? Brilliant. Because some number from an OECD report is out there, that must mean America’s healthcare system is automatically superior, right? Of course. I guess people in the U.S. die healthier, but with a stack of unpaid hospital bills left behind.
And let’s not forget the attitude of some U.S. immigration officers who treat tourists like they’re about to blow up the Pentagon. Probably a security measure against European health insurance and basic history lessons, huh?
In short, if you’re using Nazi atrocities to prop up your own arrogance today, you clearly don’t understand history and shouldn’t be the one trying to lecture others about it. But hey – Trump’s hair is bad. That we can agree on.
To all those immigration specialists: I checked my German ESTA passport and all my American immigration stamps (/Global Entry slips) say „WB“ or „WB/WT“…
A WB visa (Waiver for Business) is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that allows citizens of participating countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for business purposes.
It’s meant for limited, business-related activities.
Allowed as an influencer on a WB visa:
To all those immigration specialists: I checked my German ESTA passport and all my American immigration stamps (/Global Entry slips) say „WB“ or „WB/WT“…
A WB visa (Waiver for Business) is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that allows citizens of participating countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for business purposes.
It’s meant for limited, business-related activities.
Allowed as an influencer on a WB visa:
-Attending meetings with U.S. brands, agencies, or collaborators (as long as you’re not performing work).
-Negotiating contracts or partnerships.
-Attending events, trade shows, or conventions (like VidCon, CES, etc.) as a visitor, not as a paid speaker or performer.
- Creating personal content (e.g., vlogging your travels, posting to social media), as long as:
— You’re not being paid by a U.S. entity for it.
— You’re not doing it on behalf of a U.S. brand or business.
Unfortunately, they were likely being paid and didn't frame their story within the permitted guidelines. Australia can be a bully against foreigners, including Americans, but usually for food reasons.
I had another horror story with the US CBP 2 years ago… it wasn’t even a mistake on either party. However, I was unjustly denied entry… things got resolved in the end but I suffered emotionally & financially. Of course nobody wants to be “responsible” for what happened when I complaint… only an advice how to prevent it in future(some sort of redress number)
“It was a real jail” I laughed at that one. Like she was gonna get the Holiday Inn Detention Special or something?
And then reading her takeaway is she should have lied?! She was in hot water anyway, lying would have ratcheted this tale up to the next level. What an idiot.
Detention spaces for those being removed from a country vary a lot. In some high-income countries at a major airport of entry with a bunch of international flights, an American being removed from the country a day or two later wouldn’t be treated like these young German women subject to jail intake for criminals.
Some airports also have only a limited number of "cells" within the FIS, and of course have to have the staffing to man them. Maybe this airport was full?
There are plenty of cases already of Europeans blocked upon arrival in the USA. Most for saying not great things about President Trump. It is sad but real. With this new administration many at the boarder seem to have inferred anyone travelling wants to immigrate to the USA. it is just a matter of time until retaliation occurs. It is that simple.
Yes, some will definitely retaliate — at least on a personal level.
I used to have problems getting Chinese visas from some Chinese embassies because the individuals working at them had issues with Americans. Other Chinese embassies would give me the Chinese visas without issues. It wasn’t official policy for some Chinese embassies to treat me better than other Chinese embassies, but it would happen because people can act out their gripes even without it...
Yes, some will definitely retaliate — at least on a personal level.
I used to have problems getting Chinese visas from some Chinese embassies because the individuals working at them had issues with Americans. Other Chinese embassies would give me the Chinese visas without issues. It wasn’t official policy for some Chinese embassies to treat me better than other Chinese embassies, but it would happen because people can act out their gripes even without it being official policy.
Many are the times have been asked to provide proof of onward travel, lodging and source of travel funds when traveling abroad. Business coworkers were subjected to invasive searches when leaving Bolivia. Some of the Scouts I took to Italy were pulled over for extensive questioning at border control. A German officer at passport control questioned me over documents and currency I had forgot to remove from my leather passport holder. So where is the...
Many are the times have been asked to provide proof of onward travel, lodging and source of travel funds when traveling abroad. Business coworkers were subjected to invasive searches when leaving Bolivia. Some of the Scouts I took to Italy were pulled over for extensive questioning at border control. A German officer at passport control questioned me over documents and currency I had forgot to remove from my leather passport holder. So where is the news? The antiTrumpers rail on as that is their agenda. Foriegn folk claim that the US is somehow cruel and more inhumane than other countres, but the Australian poster should recall his government has a peculiar policy of capturing and detaining visitors to the paradise island of New Guinea - oh where is the humanity down under?
You could have been arrested for bribery when your pappport holder had currency in it and you gave it to the agent!!!
I have a bookmark in my passport to make it easier to find page 3, the photo ID page. In squeaky clean Singapore, the immigration agent looked at the bookmark, gave it back to me, then processed the passport. He does not except bribes or anything close, making sure to give back everything...
You could have been arrested for bribery when your pappport holder had currency in it and you gave it to the agent!!!
I have a bookmark in my passport to make it easier to find page 3, the photo ID page. In squeaky clean Singapore, the immigration agent looked at the bookmark, gave it back to me, then processed the passport. He does not except bribes or anything close, making sure to give back everything except a passport. They even say on signs to remove passports from holders.
*Right you are Derek - the German officer looked at me and said sternly "This is Germany, not Africa where you can bribe your way anywhere" and told me to remove the passport out of the holder. After that I always hand over my passort with no holder.* Get real people. Having extensively travelled the world, frequently I was asked for proof of onward tickets, funds sources and the like. This is nothing new. Business...
*Right you are Derek - the German officer looked at me and said sternly "This is Germany, not Africa where you can bribe your way anywhere" and told me to remove the passport out of the holder. After that I always hand over my passort with no holder.* Get real people. Having extensively travelled the world, frequently I was asked for proof of onward tickets, funds sources and the like. This is nothing new. Business coworkers were subject to body searchs on trips to Bolivia decades ago. Again, nothing new. When taking a group of Scouts to Italy, two were taken aside and extensively questioned. In Germany, I was questioned over paperwork and currency accidentally left in my in my leather passport cover. Yet again nothing new. So what is the story here, dog bites man or man bites dog? The antiTrumpers whine about business as usual
It's this simple if you don't have funds to support yourself and no booked accommodations, and no return ticket, to Customs you appear to be coming here to stay and work. When Ben blogs he has every intention of returning to the US. He has a return ticket. He's not depending upon writing a blog to cover his lodging, he has money in a bank account or accessible credit on a credit card.
These girls had none of that.
You are mistaken in large part. They had some booked accommodation for Hawaii. They had funds to support the trip. You certainly don’t know what kind of ticket they had, and a return ticket is not required to be admissible to the US.
YMMV because it is larger dependent on the customers officer and they overreact official guidelines.
Very popular to hate Trump and want to write stories to bash him. The 2 girls were coming to work, plain and simple. No little agent is going to want to get fired so they likely run it by supervisors. True, before they may have been lax but people were deported before.
They were coming to be tourists and visit places. They were and still are literally on a global tourism trip.
....while working. True, many others might get away with it but it is work. I have seen Instagram reels (videos) from an immigration lawyer with skits on what to avoid. These were made well before Trump.
Just a quick question for everyone.
When Ben travels and goes to different countries and writes blogs from there, is he or anyone in his situation violating terms of their visit to that country?
Sometimes, subject to interpretation and prioritization set by a government or government employee. For example, some countries may technically require a blogger like this one to enter on the basis of a media/journalism visa and yet some such bloggers travel as if a tourist or business visitor without a required media/journalist visa.
The girls might have made a mistake. It's the lack of leniency for what was likely an innocent mistake, by two kids who are barely adults, that is so galling. That and the way they were then treated - thrown in jail, strip searcehd, etc. All so unnecessary.
Why do these aggressive CBP agents, and the administration that lets them get away with it, care so little for what others think of us? Maybe because...
The girls might have made a mistake. It's the lack of leniency for what was likely an innocent mistake, by two kids who are barely adults, that is so galling. That and the way they were then treated - thrown in jail, strip searcehd, etc. All so unnecessary.
Why do these aggressive CBP agents, and the administration that lets them get away with it, care so little for what others think of us? Maybe because they have so little respect for themselves. Or for the United States.
The whole idea that they were planning to illegally "work" in the USA is absurd. The prohibition against working while on a tourist visa was designed to stop travellers from taking jobs away from locals. But if you are doing freelance work on the internet and getting paid in your home country, that has no effect on the country you are visiting.
A journalist arriving from England was detained in New York in a...
The whole idea that they were planning to illegally "work" in the USA is absurd. The prohibition against working while on a tourist visa was designed to stop travellers from taking jobs away from locals. But if you are doing freelance work on the internet and getting paid in your home country, that has no effect on the country you are visiting.
A journalist arriving from England was detained in New York in a cell overnight and then deported back to England because she had mentioned to the immigration officer that she was planning to write an article while in New York. Absurd.
Many business people answer work e-mails while on vacation. Shoukld they too be deported for "working"?
The USA will lose tourist dollars by this overzealous behavior... Shooting itself in the foot.
A lot of foreign lawyers, investment bankers, accountants, management consultants and other such professional service firm owners/managers/employees on extended vacations to the US are doing all the exact same work in the US that they do while in their own home country when not on vacation.
But enforcement of rules is inconsistent as it typically is and the enforcement is stacked based on elitism, racism, sexism, and ageism.
Wtf would anyone from Europe want to work in the US ? It’s the way they were treated as if they were terrorists and considering they are deporting innocent people to that concentration camp in El Salvador.
The MAGA is out in full force today…ah, remembering when Lucky’s comments section was a friendlier place.
Just wait until they go all Nancy Mace on Lucky. They may not be out in the open about it, but you know that’s how they feel about people whom they would rather see disappeared or marginalized in public view because they only want Americans (and some foreigners, maybe like Orban or Putin) whom remind them of themselves or worship their xenophobic Lord Trump.
It is you that is a political hack. These girls were likely planning to work in the US and Trump is an idiot. Lucky is fine and gorgeous.
I actually just saw one of these episodes of some reality TV shows about border control, and this Japanese kid who was in a similar situation was refused entry. The airline he used did not fly back to Japan same day, so they told him that he would either have to buy a ticket on another airline to go back to Japan same day, or spend the night in jail to take the next flight...
I actually just saw one of these episodes of some reality TV shows about border control, and this Japanese kid who was in a similar situation was refused entry. The airline he used did not fly back to Japan same day, so they told him that he would either have to buy a ticket on another airline to go back to Japan same day, or spend the night in jail to take the next flight with his airline the day after for free. So it seems like it's standard procedure to go to an actual jail when you have to overnight... Absolutely terrifying, I feel bad for those girls.
I don't believe a single word of their story. They're probably influencers (i.e. world parasites) looking for attention and followers. Next...
Hey MAGA. There are numerous stories of the treatment of non US nationals including this one who had residency and a green card. Fascist government
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/germany-investigates-after-national-with-green-card-arrested-at-us-border
Hey Kamala Icarus, still hurts losing the election? Ouch, its four more years, and more to come...
“Probably”? Have you got any evidence that they are social media “influencers” that are exaggerating for running up audience numbers to make money from social media companies? Sounds to me like it’s your wishful thinking. Do you also want to claim that they “probably” wanted to be strip-searched and have their body cavities checked for “contraband”?
Being publicly identified as having been denied entry and removed to another country is not good for their...
“Probably”? Have you got any evidence that they are social media “influencers” that are exaggerating for running up audience numbers to make money from social media companies? Sounds to me like it’s your wishful thinking. Do you also want to claim that they “probably” wanted to be strip-searched and have their body cavities checked for “contraband”?
Being publicly identified as having been denied entry and removed to another country is not good for their travel opportunities going forward.
Anyone who voluntarily goes to the US for vacation should be examined or are severely out of touch with current events. The level of inhumanity and cruelty in that country's government is out of control.
Australia is just as bad, detaining then fining people $1000 for bringing food or a decorative flower, either of which they were given on the plane. So you think Russia, Afghanistan, or Cuba is paradise? Yeah, socialist paradise or Taliban paradise.
@derek
Fines for bringing in fruits/veggies/meat products/non-native flowers does make sense, Australia is far from being the only place on earth with a unique ecosystem that could be damaged by parasites, pests, or diseases carried on produce or plants.
EU countries are savage in their enforcement of visa work rules. So it is a two way street. Next.
I don't understand why people assume they were aiming to work in the U.S.? First, why? To be underpaid and lack health insurance, sick leave? People assume they were here to become nannies? Ok. I've traveled the world on one way tickets. God forbid you travel someone without defined and hard set return plans?
They were unlikely to be side-job nannies in Hawaii. But some people want to grasp at straws in order to be government apologists (in general or for this regime in particular).
Online remote gigs mean working. They admitted it.
Some claimed they were there to be nannies. They weren’t.
I simply can't understand how some people can seem to afford traveling around the world for months or even years without a job, proof of funds, etc.
Also, is Japan just going to say "oh, you were refused entry into the US, and now you're here, Welcome!"?
Also it's a very American thing to question how young people travel for months without a job. but it's not really that uncommon for Europeans, Australians or Kiwis. The reality is, particularly in the U.S., once you start working, you likely will never have an opportunity to travel for more than 2 weeks until you are a retired, then assuming you are still healthy enough to live and have resources to do so, try to...
Also it's a very American thing to question how young people travel for months without a job. but it's not really that uncommon for Europeans, Australians or Kiwis. The reality is, particularly in the U.S., once you start working, you likely will never have an opportunity to travel for more than 2 weeks until you are a retired, then assuming you are still healthy enough to live and have resources to do so, try to do it. In many parts of the world, you can find $5 a night hostels, maybe it's just a hammock. You eat and drink on $10 a day. It's certainly eye-opening and an education in it's own right. Certainly beats blowing it on a new phone, or some concert tickets, etc. I have a 13 nephews and nieces and would be happy to contribute to their "learning" with cash, points, miles, etc." You're assumption that the rest of the world assesses their entry policies on what the U.S. is inflated. I'm sure they have their own measures and ability to scan backgrounds and arrivals.
It’s not all that rare for Europeans from relatively high-income European countries to have saved money from jobs during their late teens and their savings/gift money/inheritances over the years to take an extended vacation as young adult. They, American gap year types from relatively well-off families and other young adults who have recently done military service are the kind of people I’ve seen do this kind of multi-month globetrotting vacations.
My wife and I have canceled all international travel because her green card renewal is pending and we fear that she will be denied re-entry. By the law she is fine because all her paperwork is in order, but this administration is looking to detain and deny entry to anyone, especially since it's been reported (Axios, NYT) that their goal is one million deportations in one year. We cannot risk going abroad even though everything...
My wife and I have canceled all international travel because her green card renewal is pending and we fear that she will be denied re-entry. By the law she is fine because all her paperwork is in order, but this administration is looking to detain and deny entry to anyone, especially since it's been reported (Axios, NYT) that their goal is one million deportations in one year. We cannot risk going abroad even though everything is legal. My wife is not the enemy. Bastards.
Good choice to not give the Trump regime a chance to make your spouse a potential add to their need for running up numbers to satisfy their cruelty-loving voters and other supporters.
They openly admitted to planning to work while in the USA (to fund their travel in absence of sufficient funds otherwise); clear grounds for denied entry and is nothing new under current administration (despite all the other craziness). They should have been sent straight back to NZ on first flight as is usual, but they *requested* an alternative and then didn’t like the overnight accommodation that came with it….boo hoo you can’t have it all...
They openly admitted to planning to work while in the USA (to fund their travel in absence of sufficient funds otherwise); clear grounds for denied entry and is nothing new under current administration (despite all the other craziness). They should have been sent straight back to NZ on first flight as is usual, but they *requested* an alternative and then didn’t like the overnight accommodation that came with it….boo hoo you can’t have it all your own way kids. Hopefully learned their lesson to understand the tourist visa requirements for their destination country in advance….it could be a lot worse in other countries.
Sorry maybe I missed it, but where did they openly admit to working in the US?
"They said we were trying to work illegally, which we didn’t. We had onwards tickets and just wanted to travel" --> This statement is them stating they were NOT going to work in the US. But perhaps they made a different statement elsewhere?
Absolutely correct. When someone enters the US (and many other countries) has no return ticket and no visible means of supporting themselves Customs is likely to consider they're here to work to support themselves. That is not allowed under a tourist visa. Period.
We are not the only country in which Customs puts people on a returned flight if officers feel the offenders are here to work without the proper visa/documentation.
These girls knew...
Absolutely correct. When someone enters the US (and many other countries) has no return ticket and no visible means of supporting themselves Customs is likely to consider they're here to work to support themselves. That is not allowed under a tourist visa. Period.
We are not the only country in which Customs puts people on a returned flight if officers feel the offenders are here to work without the proper visa/documentation.
These girls knew exactly what they were doing.
They had an onwards ticket to Japan, and per their statement and other posters they showed proof that they had the money to support themselves while in the US. What is not said is whether they straight up told the agent that they might get freelance internet work while in the States (and again, what's different from this and writing airline reviews or answering emails/joining meetings while on vacation?), and the agent likely assumed they...
They had an onwards ticket to Japan, and per their statement and other posters they showed proof that they had the money to support themselves while in the US. What is not said is whether they straight up told the agent that they might get freelance internet work while in the States (and again, what's different from this and writing airline reviews or answering emails/joining meetings while on vacation?), and the agent likely assumed they would probably do such work while in the US and denied them on those grounds regardless.
They had the means for a pretty much last minute onward ticket to Japan, and Japan isn’t exactly the cheapest place for a vacation.
And given the US $ is in a free-fall against the Euro thanks to Trump’s disastrous approach to basic economics, the trip to the US had only become cheaper for the German euro-earning women as of late.
Law enforcement officers have discretion to assess a given risk and are not bound to strict compliance. The officer made a judgment call. But, at a higher level, this incident risks throwing the baby out with the bathwater. A handful of stories like this will have an adverse effect on the US travel and tourism industry. Based on government data and recent reports, we're looking at over $100 billion less coming into the US. That means fewer jobs in the US.
Can’t wait to watch this on ‘To Catch a Smuggler’
Hundreds of thousands of international visitors to the USA each month, and every once in a while we see a story on one or two people who are denied entry for one reason or another. Either you meet the requirements to enter as a tourist or you don't. CBP is doing their job.
Go ahead and go to the EU and work there while as a “tourist” and see what happens to you.
Being...
Hundreds of thousands of international visitors to the USA each month, and every once in a while we see a story on one or two people who are denied entry for one reason or another. Either you meet the requirements to enter as a tourist or you don't. CBP is doing their job.
Go ahead and go to the EU and work there while as a “tourist” and see what happens to you.
Being dishonest on entry to another country is dangerous and may get you in trouble.
They were young European women. So much for the CBP being xenophobic etc.
They were unlikely to be side-job nannies in Hawaii. But some people want to grasp at straws in order to be government apologists (in general or for this regime in particular).
Xenophobia covers Americans being anti-European citizens. Also, the Trump regime and Trumpublicans in general have become increasingly anti-European (with regard to relatively higher income European countries) because they don’t want their own voters to realize they are getting the short end of the stick...
They were unlikely to be side-job nannies in Hawaii. But some people want to grasp at straws in order to be government apologists (in general or for this regime in particular).
Xenophobia covers Americans being anti-European citizens. Also, the Trump regime and Trumpublicans in general have become increasingly anti-European (with regard to relatively higher income European countries) because they don’t want their own voters to realize they are getting the short end of the stick compared to Europeans because Trumpublican types don’t want taxpayer money to be invested in social benefits in the way that makes life so comfortable for the poor, working class and the non-rich middle classes.
Which is confusing for me since Americans love their European heritage. Heck, up to this day, they think of and call themselves German-Americans, French-Americans, Irish-American etc. So very bizarre. It's as if there is no value to being simply an American.
Americans have been increasingly groomed to hate or super-critical of Europe by the “give me big tax cuts at any cost” wealthy crowd who don’t want most Americans to realize that the most privileged people in the US are systematically screwing over most Americans for the selfish gains of the richest among us. We have a large enough tax base to make life in the US at least as comfortable or more comfortable for most...
Americans have been increasingly groomed to hate or super-critical of Europe by the “give me big tax cuts at any cost” wealthy crowd who don’t want most Americans to realize that the most privileged people in the US are systematically screwing over most Americans for the selfish gains of the richest among us. We have a large enough tax base to make life in the US at least as comfortable or more comfortable for most Americans as it is for most Scandinavians. And this whole notion of “it’s because they don’t spend a lot on their own defense” is complete bunk — they just don’t choose to go big in engaging in or supporting costly foreign military adventurism like the US does and yet helped us a lot when the Bushes, Obama, Trump and Biden were in on their pouring money into military adventurism and police actions abroad.
@Justin dev
It's a status thing these days. Many of the MAGA crowd consider you to be "more" American if your ancestors came here on the Mayflower. They only want the "right type" of American, which is one who is WASP and has generations of history within the country. Which on the face of it is ludicrous, our country was founded on the ideal that anyone should be able to come here and make...
@Justin dev
It's a status thing these days. Many of the MAGA crowd consider you to be "more" American if your ancestors came here on the Mayflower. They only want the "right type" of American, which is one who is WASP and has generations of history within the country. Which on the face of it is ludicrous, our country was founded on the ideal that anyone should be able to come here and make something of themselves, free from arbitrary persecution based on religion, social class, political leanings, or national heritage. Bloodlines never entered into it, and allowing such harkens back to the European systems we rejected. Granted we've often fallen short of that ideal, but we haven't all forgotten it.
My family came over with the Salzburgers in 1734, but that doesn't make me any more American than the Irish who fled here from famine, the poor Japanese and Chinese who immigrated for economic reasons in the late 1800s, the Cuban refugees who fled Castro's regime, or the Haitian immigrants running their restaurants, tailors, and other businesses in Springfield today.
Nothing to do with trump but get attention due to trump. Unsure about work intention since esta generally allows business activities as well (although limited to conference trip & business meeting etc) but lack of planning with insufficient funds is not working well for the US entry, regardless of trump or not.
Ben, do you write your blogs while spending time in foreign airports and hotels without a valid work permit for each country? Do you declare you are working when you arrive in a particular country?
An interesting question Dan, we now await your response Ben.
@Dan - while I won't speak for Ben, different countries have different regulations on this. For example, the UK explicitly permits you to work remotely for a foreign employer while entering as a visitor, provided the remote work is "not the primary purpose of the visit and should be incidental to the other, primary purpose". The USA however considers any work done while physically present in the country to require work authorisation if the specific...
@Dan - while I won't speak for Ben, different countries have different regulations on this. For example, the UK explicitly permits you to work remotely for a foreign employer while entering as a visitor, provided the remote work is "not the primary purpose of the visit and should be incidental to the other, primary purpose". The USA however considers any work done while physically present in the country to require work authorisation if the specific narrow conditions of the B1 (Business Visitor) visa/ESTA are not met.
It should be noted that other non-US citizen bloggers/vloggers have been denied entry to the USA when traveling to create content as the US has in some cases deemed them to require I1 (Journalist/Media Visitor) visas to do so.
Thank you Sean, every day is a school day and therefore, I for one are grateful for your explanation.
Thanks. Complicated. In some jurisdictions the question one might ask is "Do I feel Lucky?'
Only Ben can answer that question Dan …. :-)
Ben does say “As longtime OMAAT readers know, I often take trips for the sole purpose of writing about travel experiences, as I try to review airlines, hotels, and lounges.”
Would that be against UK rules? (Sounds like the primary purpose of the trip is work, and since Brexit the German passport wouldn't help with UK work I guess).
(I’m British and an EU nationality, I have no problem with Ben writing reviews from the...
Ben does say “As longtime OMAAT readers know, I often take trips for the sole purpose of writing about travel experiences, as I try to review airlines, hotels, and lounges.”
Would that be against UK rules? (Sounds like the primary purpose of the trip is work, and since Brexit the German passport wouldn't help with UK work I guess).
(I’m British and an EU nationality, I have no problem with Ben writing reviews from the UK, just pointing out the silliness of all of this).
That was the point of my questions. Ben and hundreds of YouTube types are doing, more or less, activities similar to those that at least partly led to, if the story is accurate and I have no information to suggest it is not, incarceration, a strip search and deportation of two teenagers. I leave readers to draw their own judgments about the reasonableness of such actions. No mention of any exchanges that may have occurred...
That was the point of my questions. Ben and hundreds of YouTube types are doing, more or less, activities similar to those that at least partly led to, if the story is accurate and I have no information to suggest it is not, incarceration, a strip search and deportation of two teenagers. I leave readers to draw their own judgments about the reasonableness of such actions. No mention of any exchanges that may have occurred between the perpetrators and their families or embassy.
There is a lot more to this story than just their version. They were 100% planning to work in the US for US companies and people. No doubt about it. While they were “tourists” they were also doing side work to support their travels around the world.
I love how all these stories only tell one side and then everyone thinks they are an immigration expert and know more about the law than CBP...
There is a lot more to this story than just their version. They were 100% planning to work in the US for US companies and people. No doubt about it. While they were “tourists” they were also doing side work to support their travels around the world.
I love how all these stories only tell one side and then everyone thinks they are an immigration expert and know more about the law than CBP officers and other immigration officials. We do the job every single day and see thousands of people a day. We know what we’re doing.
And remember, somehow the other 99% of passengers on this flight made it through immigration without incident…
An interesting presentation of the other side of the coin, thank you.
However, it comes as a shock to most civilised travellers that the girls were treated like common criminals and subjected to what appears to be extreme measures of intimidation, etc.
How do you know they were planning to work 100% in the US? Do you have any insights?
How comes there is no official statement from CBP?
And since you seem to work for CPB: according to CBP’s logic, Is Ben working in foreign countries? Or what is the difference here?
Did the other 99% really get through without incident or did they just grin and bear their treatment in fear of being denied entry?
Different countries take different approaches to remote work and what kind of work for remote employers/clients needs what kind of permission from the host country government prior to being done in the host country. But enforcement of this kind of stuff is also subject to elitism, racism, ageism, sexism and so on at the ports of entry and by the immigration and tax authorities.
And so, they needed to be body searched while naked and thrown into a prison cell with the criminals?
Singapore immigration would deny entry for people without sufficient funds/onward tickets and/or if they wish to conduct any work when in Singapore as this is in violation of their visitor visa.
The US has not been enforcing this but it appears that the new administration is enforcing the rules.
Sad situation but it is what it is. Hope people are more cautions. I will be visiting the US soon and this will not deter me.
Welcome any time
The US has been “enforcing this” even before you were born and ever since.
The idea that this lawless Trump regime is enforcing rules that existed before but went unenforced with prior Admins in this regard is just incongruent with historical facts.
Sorry you have to visit this terrible country, USA. Compared to Singapore, all countries are inferior. Nobody can match Singapore, not any country in Western Europe or the Americas.
This is completely ridiculous and as an American I am embarrassed of the treatment these two endured.
In this definition, most of us "work" while abroad. I travel internationally 15~20 times per year. Most are "work" trips = business meetings. But we take 2~4 international vacations, during which I do check work email and occasionally join into a meeting. If I can't take my work laptop with me on vacation, then I can't vacation abroad.
...This is completely ridiculous and as an American I am embarrassed of the treatment these two endured.
In this definition, most of us "work" while abroad. I travel internationally 15~20 times per year. Most are "work" trips = business meetings. But we take 2~4 international vacations, during which I do check work email and occasionally join into a meeting. If I can't take my work laptop with me on vacation, then I can't vacation abroad.
Ben, do you ever write pieces of your blog while abroad? You better stop "working"!
What you are describing is completely different than what they were doing. Don’t get it twisted.
How? What exactly were they planning?
I don't see how its different.
Because you are an US citizen, employed by a US company and taking a short vacation out of the country, let’s say to the UK, and you’re talking about checking email or maybe dialing into a 30-60 min meeting for your US company. But if you’re in the UK as a visitor, you wouldn’t be allowed to work for a UK company or as self employed unless on a work visa. So you couldn’t travel...
Because you are an US citizen, employed by a US company and taking a short vacation out of the country, let’s say to the UK, and you’re talking about checking email or maybe dialing into a 30-60 min meeting for your US company. But if you’re in the UK as a visitor, you wouldn’t be allowed to work for a UK company or as self employed unless on a work visa. So you couldn’t travel to London for a month (as a tourist) and tell immigration officers that you’d fund your visit picking up freelance assignments - that’s the problem.
@Sarah - actually you can be self-employed in the UK without work authorisation as a visitor provided that it is not the primary purpose of your stay in the UK and that your funds are generated from non-UK sources. The laws were changed in January 2024 to permit this.
Eighteen and nineteen. Just a little young to fully understand the tricks of travel. And now is a really bad time to find out the consequences of making an error.
Americastan.
Proudly sponsored by Tesla, Israel and Putin.
Your post BB, is clearly “ Proudly sponsored by” …. a antisemitic troll who wears the antisemitism as a gruesome badge of honour.
One has to pity your complete ignorance of worldly matters …. poor child.
Where is the antisemitism in my post?
You cannot be serious, surely BB?
If you are unable or unwilling to admit to yourself that you are an antisemite, then no amount of words from me or anyone else will change your mindset.
I've crossed a lot of borders in a lot of places but the only border crossing where I've been hassled is when I return home to the USA. Sad, but true.
As a business owner in Australia, I have banned my employees from travelling to the United States. It is not worth the risk.
That is why they don't like working for you at the Trump Grass Cutting Co. of Canberra. Fly to America and your boss will fire you.
As a third world passport holder, I get treated like them at any border. Luckily I always book my hotels and flights meticulously so that I do not get strip searched... Maybe they felt this embarrassment once but I can tell you that most immigration officers see you as a criminal or treat you like a criminal if you hold less powerful passports. It is so obvious from their attitude. But I gotta say, US...
As a third world passport holder, I get treated like them at any border. Luckily I always book my hotels and flights meticulously so that I do not get strip searched... Maybe they felt this embarrassment once but I can tell you that most immigration officers see you as a criminal or treat you like a criminal if you hold less powerful passports. It is so obvious from their attitude. But I gotta say, US is the worst in general but Germany, their home country, is not far from it
Where have you been strip searched and had your crevice between your butt cheeks examined by passport control/customs or their selected ones?
That is what they did to these two German tourists.
Strangely I know someone who had this sort of search in Frankfurt many years ago after the WTC incident. They were a local chinese couple from Singapore travelling on Singapore passports.
This is amazing. We're finally getting what we voted for.
I just wish they would speed up the deportations. We need millions, many millions more.
Careful what you wish for, they may find a way to deport white trash like you once they realize manufacturing isn't coming back and there's no use for you.
So you’re no fan of tourism as economics? All the people who have jobs and therefor income do what next?
Another day in the decline in the fascist land of Orange Putin and Elonia. Brought to you and funded by AIPAC and the Zionist lobby.
Your antisemitic post are well noted BZ. Like a gramophone needle stuck in grove of gross ignorance.
Stop supporting genocide, Smortich’s mistress.
Ok! …. well now, do we address you as BZ or is it BB?
Both are antisemites who are so ignorant about the world in which they live.
Poor children of very little brain.
@AeroB13a
I don't think someone who've seemed to have slept through all English classes you had, brags about spelling a word right, etc is allowed to say that.
Did you not use enough brain poop this time?
How unfortunate that you're not understanding your own agenda.
No wonder why Proximanova sees you has her confidant. He came up with the wisdom of visualising but apparently denies it now.
Hello bro, and a very Happy Easter Monday to you too.
My sister was denied entry and deported from Canada on a work trip on a few months ago for not having a work visa and the immigration agent determining she was “taking a job from a Canadian.” This isn’t just a U.S. thing.
The reason they were sent to jail is because they asked to be. HNL is not open 24 hours. They wanted to be sent to Japan the next day. Where do you expect to keep them?
They didn’t ask to be sent to jail and get treated like criminals. They asked to be allowed to depart to Tokyo so as to continue their around the world adventure. Then CBP decided to get them jailed until the next day.
Where would you have liked the people who were not allowed in the country to stay overnight? The ritz? Maybe the Andaz would have sufficed.
The AirBnb place which they had booked would have sufficed. Instead their accommodation and related treatment became a cost burden of the American taxpayers.
And how exactly will they be allowed to stay in an Airbnb within the country when they were denied entry?
For Hawaii, they had already booked a couple of nights via Airbnb
Conditional release on their own recognizance would have allowed them to stay where they were planning to stay.
The "denied entry" part seems to escape you. Unless the Airbnb they booked was in the transit zone of the airport, they weren't staying at that airbnb.
What seems to escape you is reading what I wrote:
“Conditional release on their own recognizance” would allow them access to the accommodation booked. Instead the DHS/CBP has yet again wasted taxpayer money for no good reason.
You still don’t get it.
I almost always travel with my first few days accommodation booked, and then play it by ear from there. This has worked on all of the six continents I've visited (but I'm using Canada for North America). This is crazy. No wonder so many people are changing their plans for the next four years+
So it was apparent they decided to enter this country on a tourist visa but planned to work and couldn't satisfy custom officers questions and concerns. All of you should watch a show I that's one of the cable channels about customs and European airports. People are denied entry all the time that appear to becoming into the country to work but have a tourist visa, which they will likely overstay.
Being a couple of young cute girls doesn't mean they can violate laws.
Nah. The way it's worded, just mentioning that they do freelance online work was enough to trigger the crackdown, but there's nothing wrong with that if that's how they made the money they'll be spending in the US. There's nothing in there from their statement saying they WOULD be working while in the US. Taken at face value, the implication that they'd be working for US clients (or at all) while in the US comes from CBP, not them.
A similar thing happened to one of my staff at Tampa airport. He was traveling on an ESTA for a few meetings as many of us do, many times a year, then was going to take an extended vacation (which he hasn't yet booked accommodation for). Because during the questions he mentioned that one of the work meetings was him training a colleague in something, that set of some sort of flag. Long story short,...
A similar thing happened to one of my staff at Tampa airport. He was traveling on an ESTA for a few meetings as many of us do, many times a year, then was going to take an extended vacation (which he hasn't yet booked accommodation for). Because during the questions he mentioned that one of the work meetings was him training a colleague in something, that set of some sort of flag. Long story short, they locked him up for 48 hours before sticking him on the next UK flight back.
Well of course their story is true.
They would lie!
LOL LOL LOL LOL
THIS is why demand for travel to the U.S. is PLUMMETING.
Many Europeans view the Trump administration as something akin to fascists and, in multiple conversations, have compared Trump and his administration to Nazis.
I would argue that in this environment, the more belligerent CBP officers have freer range to do whatever they want. There is a very real perception that historic checks and balances are gone in the U.S. and the reckless behavior...
THIS is why demand for travel to the U.S. is PLUMMETING.
Many Europeans view the Trump administration as something akin to fascists and, in multiple conversations, have compared Trump and his administration to Nazis.
I would argue that in this environment, the more belligerent CBP officers have freer range to do whatever they want. There is a very real perception that historic checks and balances are gone in the U.S. and the reckless behavior of a few overly-aggressive CBP officers is the norm.
You nailed it. The more xenophobic agents in CBP now seem to feel like they can be more skeptical and even hostile than usual with people arriving in the US. Even toward US citizens.
The Trumpublican regime has opened the door for more xenophobia/racism than usual but also for more skepticism toward travelers in general. The increased skepticism can have consequences in much the same was as over-policing a population has consequences.
NEVER EVER TELL ANY IMMIGRATION OFFICER IN ANY COUNTRY THAT YOU PLAN ON DOING REMOTE WORK/FREELANCE. IT WILL MAKE YOU INADMISSABLE IN A TON OF COUNTRIES.
Exactly. And use burner/data-scrubbed personal electronic devices when crossing borders. They will use your data against you if they can.
A burner is a REALLY bad idea.
It depends on what is on the burner device. And what is on a burner device can be different after an inspection than before an inspection — another reason to treat the device as a burner device,
Do not travel to the US unless it's essential, it's been clear that it's dangerous for months. I have a lot of sympathy for those who have to go there, but anyone who does it voluntarily is simply a moron. There are plenty of nicer and safer places on this planet.
The whole discussion about not having booked hotels and domestic flights is a distraction from the actual reason for their denial of entry and expedited removal.
They intended to work while in the USA which is not permitted when traveling on an ESTA. That the work is being done for "foreign" clients is irrelevant. If they are physically present in the country while doing the work, it requires work authorisation and is potentially taxable income.
...The whole discussion about not having booked hotels and domestic flights is a distraction from the actual reason for their denial of entry and expedited removal.
They intended to work while in the USA which is not permitted when traveling on an ESTA. That the work is being done for "foreign" clients is irrelevant. If they are physically present in the country while doing the work, it requires work authorisation and is potentially taxable income.
They actually were given more leeway than a normal traveler would be in this situation by being permitted to purchase an onward ticket to Japan. The SOP in these situations is that they be returned whence they came, or alternatively to their country of citizenship.
The lesson to learn here is that if you are going to work remotely from the USA, or provide services for accomodations, or any similar arrangement, YOU ARE NO LONGER A TOURIST, regardless whether you are a teenage backpacker from Germany or a construction labourer from Mexico.
You're missing the point. The denied entry isn't the main issue. It can after, all happen, anywhere. The problem is the way CBP handles it, jailing people, searching their devices, strip searching them (!), etc. This is one of the lighter cases, at least they weren't sent to gulag for weeks. Just because you're not granted entry into the country doesn't mean you should be treated as a criminal.
Maybe don't flout a country's immigration laws and you won't have a problem.
This is also happening to people who are not "flouting" any laws, it's completely arbitrary.
They should revoke the US immigration benefits of your Lord Trump’s adopted man-child Elon Musk. He repeatedly broke the country’s immigration laws and deserves problems.
Most foreign lawyers and many foreign investment bankers and even senior corp execs (and even some foreign doctors) visiting the US for extended vacations can be said to be non-admissible by this standard — often enough they are dealing with working on documents or remote clients while away from home in the same manner as they work in their home countries.
@GUWonder - Yes, and plenty have been found inadmissable and removed for this very reason. I personally know the Chairman of a small European airline who was found inadmissable under the VWPP (in the pre-ESTA days) when arriving into the USA on one of his own flights about 15 years ago and was sent back to his plane in handcuffs (he found the whole thing hilarious and loved relating the much embellished tale after a few drinks).
Hello Sean M.,
With that logic, Ben is also working illegally when entering e.g. Japan with a tourist visa?
Where did they say they intended to work? It's even written right here them stating they didn't intend to work in the US and they were just explaining how they received the money they're using to travel with now.
Or is the default position that if you have at any time done remote work, it's presumed you'll be doing remote work while traveling? That would suddenly make life a lot more complicated for many people.
@Giri - Under the INA, the burden of proof lies with any visitor to demonstrate three things when traveling under the VWP program (ESTA) :
1) That they are not statutorily inadmissable (ie. their ESTA is valid and they have not lied about past disqualifying travel or criminality etc...). This is a statutory condition so it is black and white and no judgement calls are required.
2) They must demonstrate clear non-immigrant intent (ie. they...
@Giri - Under the INA, the burden of proof lies with any visitor to demonstrate three things when traveling under the VWP program (ESTA) :
1) That they are not statutorily inadmissable (ie. their ESTA is valid and they have not lied about past disqualifying travel or criminality etc...). This is a statutory condition so it is black and white and no judgement calls are required.
2) They must demonstrate clear non-immigrant intent (ie. they have a residence and familial/social/employment ties abroad that they will return to after their visit). THE BURDEN OF PROOF LIES WITH THEM TO DEMONSTRATE THIS TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE AGENT EXAMINING THEM.
3) They must demonstrate that the purpose of their visit is consistent with the provisions of the ESTA. THE BURDEN OF PROOF LIES WITH THEM TO DEMONSTRATE THIS TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE AGENT EXAMINING THEM.
In their case, assuming no statutory inadmissability, a combination of (2) and (3) would need to be overcome to qualify them for entry. Given the narrative of their employment being primarily on freelance basis for foreign clients and conducted remotely, combined with the lack of specific travel plans while inside the country - it is not inconceivable to see how a prima facie case of inability to overcome the default presumption exists. If one of their clients messages them tomorrow to say "I need you to complete the following job for $10000 within 48 hrs" are they likely to say "No, I'm in the USA right now so I won't do it"? If they had a specific tour schedule, that may have been defensible, but a freelancer with international clients who has no specific travel itinerary, no employer abroad and no work authorisation in the country will have a very difficult task convincing an agent that they are compliant with the requirements to be granted entry.
This is laid out pretty well. However, there is a very large gap between them not being able to satisfy the agent so as to be admitted and "breaking our laws so they get what they deserve," which is the position of several folks on here.
This is a idiotic comment. you telling me anytime someone has had a business trip to another country your company will apply for a work visa beforehand? Get real. You've clearly never works a job where you traveled before. Everytime anyone from my company goes for a work trip in Europe or somewhere else it's always on tourist visas. They are doing work and earning money while staying a few days in a foreign country....
This is a idiotic comment. you telling me anytime someone has had a business trip to another country your company will apply for a work visa beforehand? Get real. You've clearly never works a job where you traveled before. Everytime anyone from my company goes for a work trip in Europe or somewhere else it's always on tourist visas. They are doing work and earning money while staying a few days in a foreign country. It's been like that since I've been alive.
Any time any of my European colleagues come to the us for work meetings they also come on a Tourist esta visa. In fact, they would even tell the immigration officers they are in the us for a work meeting, conference,seminar, etc. ALWAYS. This is nothing new and just an instance of the immigration officers being complete douches given the times we live in. No one should come to this shtshow of a country and be subjugated to this.
@Johnny - I'm saying that you need to be aware of the laws of whatever country you are traveling to for business and comply with them. Most countries in the world permit short term work for a foreign employer - the USA notably does not.
Immigration law is something that is very easy to violate, either inadvertently or intentionally, and usually get away with. That makes the consequences of getting caught seem so much harsher...
@Johnny - I'm saying that you need to be aware of the laws of whatever country you are traveling to for business and comply with them. Most countries in the world permit short term work for a foreign employer - the USA notably does not.
Immigration law is something that is very easy to violate, either inadvertently or intentionally, and usually get away with. That makes the consequences of getting caught seem so much harsher because it seems like "everyone does it this way".
@Sean M: "Immigration law is something that is very easy to violate, either inadvertently or intentionally, and usually get away with. That makes the consequences of getting caught seem so much harsher because it seems like "everyone does it this way""
But as others have pointed out, the CBP regulations instruct lenience for minor violations, especially if it's clear they were unintentional. There is a *reason* for that instruction: the laws are intended to accomplish...
@Sean M: "Immigration law is something that is very easy to violate, either inadvertently or intentionally, and usually get away with. That makes the consequences of getting caught seem so much harsher because it seems like "everyone does it this way""
But as others have pointed out, the CBP regulations instruct lenience for minor violations, especially if it's clear they were unintentional. There is a *reason* for that instruction: the laws are intended to accomplish a specific purpose (prevent people from staying here and working without the right visa for that) while still encouraging people to visit the US for tourism. Nowadays, *everybody* with a job does some work while they go on vacation overseas, so we should expect that from tourists to the US, and there is no reason to rule these kids inadmissible because they planned to do freelance vblogging or whatever for foreign employers. They explained why they didn't have hotel reservations and onward tickets, and clearly they had enough money to buy onward tickets *because they did* buy them. So why deport them?
The whole thing is just horrific and idiotic and not the kind of thing I want my country to do to visitors who just want to see the sights and spend their money here.
@Seam M. while entry denial for mentioning online work was technically valid, CBP Directive No. 3340-043 specifically addresses this scenario. The directive requires officers to "expansively consider discretion" for "minor or technical violations" with "apparent bona fide travel" (Sec. 6.2.2) and to "minimize hardship" in such cases.
The issue isn't the denial itself but the treatment afterward. The directive specifically recommends withdrawal of application over detention/removal for non-criminal violations (Sec. 8.4.1), and mandates completing...
@Seam M. while entry denial for mentioning online work was technically valid, CBP Directive No. 3340-043 specifically addresses this scenario. The directive requires officers to "expansively consider discretion" for "minor or technical violations" with "apparent bona fide travel" (Sec. 6.2.2) and to "minimize hardship" in such cases.
The issue isn't the denial itself but the treatment afterward. The directive specifically recommends withdrawal of application over detention/removal for non-criminal violations (Sec. 8.4.1), and mandates completing a "Discretionary Checklist" to consider alternatives. Strip searches and jail housing with criminal detainees contradicts CBP's own guidance requiring "the highest levels of professionalism" and "courtesy to the traveling public" (Sec. 4).
Strict enforcement is one thing; the criminal detention procedure they experienced is another - and doesn't align with CBP's own documented procedures for handling technical violations.
OK, this is a really strict interpretation of immigration and visa laws, albeit all technically correct. ALTHOUGH... their treatment during detention is completely unacceptable and inhumane. Just a completely shitty way to treat people who haven't committed a crime. Trying to justify it is shitty as well. You're not going to get a gold star or a deputy sheriff badge from Kristi Noem.
Plenty of times I've traveled to India for visits with extended family while continuing to work remotely for my us based job as a software engineer rather than using up pto/vacation days. If someone visits the us while doing the same which is based on their foreign country payroll, does the us authorities consider that unauthorized work if one admits to that at the us immigration checkpoint
Would be a huge grey area as...
Plenty of times I've traveled to India for visits with extended family while continuing to work remotely for my us based job as a software engineer rather than using up pto/vacation days. If someone visits the us while doing the same which is based on their foreign country payroll, does the us authorities consider that unauthorized work if one admits to that at the us immigration checkpoint
Would be a huge grey area as even with paid vacation days is a tourist visits the us while on it, they are still being paid from their foreign job for it.
@Luke - India has different rules than the United States. Provided your work being done is for a foreign employer, your primary purpose of travel is "casual visit to meet friends and relatives", and that you are not engaging in business activities by interacting directly with customers in India then you may use a Tourist, e-Tourist or equivalent visa. If your presence in India however exceeds the threshold specified in Section 6 of the Income...
@Luke - India has different rules than the United States. Provided your work being done is for a foreign employer, your primary purpose of travel is "casual visit to meet friends and relatives", and that you are not engaging in business activities by interacting directly with customers in India then you may use a Tourist, e-Tourist or equivalent visa. If your presence in India however exceeds the threshold specified in Section 6 of the Income Tax Act, you may have a tax liability for the remuneration received for remote work done while physically in India.
The US has a defacto more liberal application of the definition of "business" versus "work" for those who have formal employment with foreign entities rather than freelancers. But that's another topic altogether!
Here comes MAGA to defend this!
It is now a widely held view in Australia to not travel to the USA unless absolutely necessary. This is evidenced by the number of points rewards seats that have suddenly become available. Very sad outcome for workers in the US tourist industry, they must feel very let down by their government.
Land of the free, eh?
Unfortunately for these two not so seasoned backpackers, they got a fairly bad version of reality check. Of course it could be a lot worse in many countries around the world. Hopefully they learned their lessons knowing that many countries around the world isn’t so big on backpackers in general. As for state of American tourism right now, the light seems dimmer by the day. Unfortunately it’s hitting mostly blue states than red ones.
What about Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah, the Carolinas, etc?
Way more tourists in California, Massachusetts, Illinois and New York for sure
The most visited US cities by foreigners, are largely ones that reside in blue states. The primary exception is Florida. And even then, the majority of large metropolitans lean blue, like Las Vegas.
@Globetrotting - CBP Directive 3340-043 specifically addresses this exact situation - instructing officers to "expansively consider discretion" for minor violations with apparent bona fide travel purposes. This was a clear failure to follow established procedures that require officers to "minimize hardship" and consider alternatives to detention. This isn't about backpacking culture - it's about proper application of CBP's own guidelines.
Unless you're indicating this was a "reality check" that some jobsworths seem rigidly devoted to...
@Globetrotting - CBP Directive 3340-043 specifically addresses this exact situation - instructing officers to "expansively consider discretion" for minor violations with apparent bona fide travel purposes. This was a clear failure to follow established procedures that require officers to "minimize hardship" and consider alternatives to detention. This isn't about backpacking culture - it's about proper application of CBP's own guidelines.
Unless you're indicating this was a "reality check" that some jobsworths seem rigidly devoted to pedantic interpretations of the rules and capricious application of their authority, then in some ways, I suppose that is true.
Another story that was hitting the headlines a few weeks ago;
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd3prze9yjo
I understood why they were denied entry (unfortunately), but the part where they describe having to strip naked for a search totally shocked me. I don't see how the authorities consider this appropriate, and a solo traveling young woman myself, it makes me nervous..
Well, some people were thrown in jail for weeks, sharing cells with other people, shackled, stripped and all kinds of other stuff, without committing any crime at all, or even without being suspected of a crime. Simply on the account of being denied entry into the US. There's no need to be nervous, just don't travel to countries with no rule of law.
@KatherineD - Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who conceal weapons and other contraband in body cavities. The only practical way to protect the rest of the detained population that they are mixing with from that is to either conduct an invasive search, or to keep them restrained and/or segregated. It isn't a punitive measure, but rather a legitimate one for safety reasons.
When I worked for a local jail many many moons ago, there was indeed a non-negotiable policy to strip-search every person being booked, by same-gender CO. All examinations were strictly procedural, you couldn't check more or less than what was prescribed. Everyone was searched, from arrested criminals to random misbehavers... This had nothing to do with punishment, and none of the staff, male or female, enjoyed that part.
Please tell the full story. They aren’t as innocent as they pretend to be. They are influencers who tried to stay at places that would give them some compensation in exchange for social-media exposure. With that in mind, entry was rightfully denied.
A warning to others that the USA customs/border security personnel are turning into Stasi like organisations.
DHS/CBP has always been like this since their inceptions. But now it just gets a lot more attention in the media that it’s not just non-“white” foreigners who have been and are at risk of this kind of treatment by DHS/CBP and the Trump regime wants to try to scare more people and run up their numbers of removed “aliens”.
And what’s their instagram? Or just telling BS?
Apparently, they were even willing to provide proof of funds, including account statements, but the immigration officer was having none of that. It's all over German speaking media now. Very clearly not a good look for the US in Europe
Unbelievable, a real embarrassment to the USA.