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newdeal2

(3,241 posts)
3. If you are a US citizen, they cannot deny you entry into the US if you refuse a search
Sat Mar 22, 2025, 01:26 PM
Mar 2025

But they main detain you for a bit or take your phone. If you are not a US citizen, things get murkier.

If you are worried, I would sign-out of anything sensitive, then delete the app. Transfer any sensitive data/files to another device at home, then hard delete those items.

If you're really worried, leave your main devices at home and buy a "travel" phone that is clean.
That's what they advise you to do when visiting China.

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

K&R as I'd like to know also uppityperson Mar 2025 #1
What's the law allowing phone searches? BadgerKid Mar 2025 #2
I'm pretty sure it's completely illegal to search someone's phone, esp a citizen. However Neema Mar 2025 #4
At the border, you have less rights as to phone searches. Big Blue Marble Mar 2025 #12
I think it's legal cally Mar 2025 #13
If you are a US citizen, they cannot deny you entry into the US if you refuse a search newdeal2 Mar 2025 #3
I'm mostly concerned about getting out. Not sure when I'll be returning but hopefully it Neema Mar 2025 #5
Then I don't think you have anything to worry about newdeal2 Mar 2025 #6
Okay, that's what I was hoping but I've heard stories of people getting stopped even leaving the country. Neema Mar 2025 #7
Yes, this is true. cos dem Mar 2025 #9
I've been out and back in the country 3 times this year. No one has ever asked for sinkingfeeling Mar 2025 #17
They don't have the staff to look at every US phone at immigration. That was a one-off and a foreigner. lindysalsagal Mar 2025 #8
EFF Border Search Guide. usonian Mar 2025 #10
This is very helpful. Thanks. Neema Mar 2025 #15
Get Global Entry Bobstandard Mar 2025 #11
I've had Global Entry for years, it's amazing. But I don't necessarily expect it to protect me these days. Neema Mar 2025 #14
FindLaw summary is good: spooky3 Mar 2025 #16
Found some more today. usonian Mar 2025 #18
Good finds Neema Mar 2025 #19
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