The Trump administration is demanding five years of social media history from foreign tourists—a bold security move that exposes how serious the president is about vetting threats while critics worry about tourism impact.
Story Snapshot
- The Trump administration proposes requiring visitors from 42 visa-waiver countries to submit five years of social media history before entering the U.S.
- The overhaul transforms the ESTA system into a mobile-only process requiring additional personal data including emails and family member information.
- The proposal aims to deny entry to foreigners who pose national security or public safety threats through enhanced vetting procedures.
- Critics argue the changes could deter tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- The initiative reflects Trump’s broader effort to strengthen immigration system screening across all visa categories and legal immigration applications.
Enhanced Vetting Takes Center Stage
The Trump administration is proposing sweeping changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the online application process for citizens of 42 countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea.
The overhaul would transform ESTA into a mobile-only system requiring applicants to submit five years of social media history, ten years of email addresses, and personal information about immediate family members including phone numbers and residences.
Mandatory social media submission represents a significant escalation in foreign visitor screening.
Tourists from 42 countries will have to submit 5 years of social media history to enter U.S. under Trump plan https://t.co/JGV5oiCsq6
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) December 10, 2025
Security-First Approach to Border Management
Customs and Border Protection justified the proposed changes by citing an executive order President Trump issued earlier this year targeting foreigners who pose threats to national security or public safety.
The enhanced vetting procedure aligns with the administration’s year-long campaign to increase screening across the entire immigration system.
This approach extends beyond tourist visas to include heightened scrutiny of visa applicants overseas, asylum seekers, green card applicants, and individuals applying for American citizenship through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services investigations into social media content deemed “anti-American.”
Tourism Concerns and Implementation Timeline
Critics warn that mandatory social media disclosure could discourage international travel to the United States, particularly concerning given the nation’s role as co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
The proposal still requires review by the White House’s budget office before implementation.
Despite tourism industry concerns, the Trump administration continues prioritizing comprehensive vetting procedures that evaluate applicants’ character, ideology, and potential security risks through multiple investigative channels and data sources.
Broader Immigration System Overhaul
The ESTA modifications represent one component of a comprehensive immigration strategy reshaping how the U.S. evaluates foreign nationals across all entry categories.
From tourist visas to permanent residency applications, the administration has implemented more rigorous background investigations, social media analysis, and character assessments.
This systematic approach reflects the administration’s commitment to controlling border security and ensuring that individuals entering or remaining in America align with national security standards and American values.
