Since January 2025, the rules for entering the United States through land borders, airports, and seaports (collectively known as ports of entry) have become stricter, with expanded vetting, biometric collection, device searches, and targeted entry limits. While borders remain open, travelers now face more screening, documentation checks, and compliance requirements at ports of entry.
The second administration under President Donald Trump has changed rules and implemented new systems that increase the scrutiny of foreigners as they enter and leave the U.S. Let’s review how the changes are impacting travel and immigration.
Was the Southern Border with Mexico Closed?
No, the southern border wasn’t entirely closed, although enforcement measures increased significantly. Trump issued Proclamation 10886 upon taking office, declaring a national emergency based on his hyperbolic assessment of an “invasion by unauthorized migrants.” The proclamation suspended asylum applications and authorized immediate enforcement through expedited removals. Then, Executive Order 14165 tasked military units with sealing the borders. However, there was no absolute closure because the Supreme Court wasn’t convinced that invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1789 was applicable, and the Ninth Circuit appellate division ordered the reinstatement of the Migrant Protection Protocols to continue accepting some asylum applications.
What Are the Current U.S. Entry Restrictions?
In June and December 2025, Trump issued two proclamations limiting the entry of foreigners from 17 countries arbitrarily designated as “high-risk nations.” These proclamations are flashbacks to the controversial “Muslim ban” Trump attempted to implement in January 2017. Foreign refugees were already within the scope of these restrictions through the earlier issuance of an executive order signed in January.
Do I Have to Allow Customs Agents to Search My Mobile Phone?
Device searches are now a routine part of the inspection process at ports of entry. From a judicial perspective, searching smartphones at ports of entry has been legal since the Patriot Act of 2001. However, it didn’t become a routine vetting tool until April 2025. Through the signing of Executive Order 14161, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents can implement “extreme vetting” techniques to determine admissibility. Your mobile devices must be unlocked and set to airplane mode when entering the U.S., and the search scope was expanded in December with changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, which now requires applicants to disclose their social media history for the last five years.
Do I Have to Provide Biometric Data?
The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations was amended in October 2025 to collect biometric data on everyone entering or leaving the country. This is being implemented and enforced by CBP agents at all ports of entry, and only American citizens are allowed to opt out. As of January 2026, photographs are the primary method for biometrics collection. However, fingerprinting is becoming more common during secondary inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse the changes to border crossing procedures?
Refusing to comply isn’t recommended for foreigners because it can compromise not only admissibility but also future immigration status. U.S. citizens can refuse to provide biometrics.
Can I be detained at the border?
CBP agents have been detaining foreigners at ports of entry at alarming rates since 2025. If you’re crossing the border in Southern California, keeping the phone numbers of law firms that provide immigration services in San Diego in your emergency contact list is highly recommended.
Can CBP agents check my social media activity?
Yes, but only if it’s available offline. Your smartphone shouldn’t be connected to the internet during a port of entry search.
Is there a new border crossing fee?
The second Trump administration hasn’t announced new entry fees. However, a refundable $250 “visa integrity deposit” was implemented in July 2025. The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record has increased from $6 to $24 at the northern and southern borders.
Immigrants who regularly cross the U.S. border have every reason to be concerned, but they shouldn’t lose hope. Instead, they should retain legal counsel and stay in touch with their San Diego immigration attorneys to learn about the latest developments. If you have additional questions regarding potential changes in immigration law, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with KS Visa Law.
