The Committee to Shield Journalists (CPJ) has issued a security advisory for worldwide journalists planning to journey to or from the US, citing potential entry restrictions, machine searches, and extended questioning beneath anticipated modifications to U.S. immigration coverage.
The advisory follows reports from a number of U.S. media shops that the Trump administration is drafting a brand new journey ban focusing on greater than 40 nations, together with Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Syria, and a number of other African nations.
Journalists, notably these linked to nations listed within the draft ban or overlaying delicate matters, ought to “anticipate potential restrictions or questioning,” the CPJ said. The group emphasised that overseas journalists are usually not exempt from border scrutiny and suggested reporters to organize for elevated enforcement measures by U.S. Customs and Border Safety (CBP).
Dangers highlighted by CPJ embody invasive questioning about political affiliations, the confiscation and search of digital units (together with requests for passwords and social media data), and potential denial of entry for non-citizen journalists.
Twin residents from restricted nations could encounter extra challenges, similar to enhanced screening or entry denial, the group warned.
Thorough threat assessments suggested previous to journey
Though CPJ famous that no journalists have been instantly affected for the reason that proposed journey ban surfaced, it urged reporters to conduct thorough threat assessments previous to journey, restrict delicate data saved on digital units, and familiarize themselves with their authorized rights on the border.
The advisory additionally offers a digital security guidelines and suggestions for journalists working inside the US, together with security protocols when overlaying protests or politically delicate tales.
The CPJ’s precautionary measures replicate rising considerations about press freedom beneath evolving immigration insurance policies. The group continues to advocate for the safety of journalists and their potential to report with out obstruction.
