I will be entering the US in October to work for about a year and half as a visiting researcher. I will be accompanied by my partner and his two children.
I am very scared on what to expect at the border because of all the stories I hear about detentions, refusals, etc.
My concerns are:
- Do they ask everyone to unlock their phones and download EVERYTHING in there for later analysis?
- Related to point 1., refusing to unlock and give access will make you suspect and they refuse entry?
- Do they also ask you to unlock your laptop? I have stuff encrypted there as I often have to process sensitive patient data for a project I am working.
- Do they do a complete biometric data collection of you and the kids?
Also, how do we conduct ourselves at the border entry to avoid getting absolutely shafted?
P.S.: I am not in a position to call off the trip. Visa is ready and tickets are brought.
You are coming here for work?
Please have your job get you a new laptop, and sensitive patient data is stored on secure servers, yes? Having it with data they can’t see puts you in an impossible position. If your job is sponsoring you, you are safer, in a better category so less likely to see trouble.
With phone, if you’re aren’t super political online just open it if they ask. Wiping it or having a burner just looks more suspicious. No they don’t all go through everyone’s phone, it’s not as bad as the alarmist media sells it BUT it is unusually bad right now, and there are believable reports of people being made to unlock so they can browse your Facebook or whatever. I hate to give that advice, but your goal is to fly under the radar. You are absolutely legal. Don’t borrow trouble. Your work brings you here, you know when you are leaving, all your paperwork is good, you are not a risk. Assume everything will be smooth. The customs guys at airports are not the same as the ones bounty hunting immigrants. They are local people in a bad situation right now too, at least half of them don’t like what is going on.