CBP Proposes Additional Information Sharing for ESTA Applications

A Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) document was posted on the Federal Register proposing various changes to the ESTA process. If implemented, it would require travelers visiting the United States through ESTA to provide additional information when submitting their application. ESTA applicants must currently share biographical data, personal identification information and answer questions regarding  their criminal, health, and previous visa history, among other requirements. CBP has proposed the following additions:

• All personal and business telephone numbers used within the last 5 years,
• All personal and business email addresses used within the last 10 years,
• Personal information of family members (parents, spouse, siblings, children), including:
  • Name,
  • Date of Birth,
  • Place of Birth,
  • Place of Residence,
  • Telephone numbers used within the last 5 years, and
• IP metadata from electronically submitted photos.

CBP also proposed implementing social media screenings. This is not particularly surprising, as the Trump Administration has already mandated social media screenings for foreign students, H-1B workers, and proposed the same for various other immigration benefits petitions including naturalization and Green Card applications.

The notice is a proposal and, as such, the requirements listed are not currently in effect. You can stay up to date with new developments by subscribing to our newsletter here.