Just what are an Australian’s rights when it comes to entering the United States?
The rules for Australians entering the United States remain the same, but US border control officers are now more stringent in deciding who can enter the country.
Unfortunately, there’s not much tourists can do about it.
“The officer stated that I had too many clothes for a three-and-a-half week trip,” she said.
“They started questioning me about my tattoos.
“I have two Japanese sleeves on my arms, tatts on my hands.” … I felt as though they were trying to racially profile me.”
Californian immigration lawyer Andrea Szew said tourists were now being subjected to heightened scrutiny from border officials at American airports.
“It’s frustrating that a border agent’s personal judgment can influence my travel so significantly, even to the extent of being sent back to Australia. Unfortunately, their decision is largely subjective,” she said.
There are claims some officers are emboldened by Trump’s America-first policies.
The unfortunate reality is Australians have next to no rights when entering the USA.
