Enhanced Security Guidelines for Journalists Traveling to the United States: Safeguarding Press Work Amid Increased Border Scrutiny

New York, USA – In a move reflecting growing concerns over U.S. border scrutiny, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released its first set of security guidelines specifically for journalists traveling to the United States. These guidelines come at a time when anxieties are escalating regarding the impact of border policies on press freedom, particularly for foreign media professionals.

Catalina Cortes, Interim Emergencies Manager at the CPJ, stated that the committee "has noted growing concern among journalists whose work requires travel to the United States." Cortes added that the released security guidelines "aim to help journalists proactively manage these risks," emphasizing the necessity of equipping journalists with the tools needed to navigate what can be a complex environment.

Shifting Policies and Their Impact on Foreign Journalists

In an era of rapidly changing travel policies, the CPJ specifically warns that content published by foreign journalists can directly impact their visa status. The security guidelines explicitly state that "covering politically sensitive topics, such as government policies or national security issues, may attract attention from authorities. It is crucial to assess potential risks before publishing or broadcasting." The guidelines further add that "criticism of government policies or officials may lead to unwanted attention from authorities, so be cautious about how authorities interpret your online presence or its potential impact on your visa status."

This hypothesis was starkly demonstrated in June, when Australian writer Alister Kitchen was detained for 12 hours and denied entry into the United States. This occurred after border officials at Los Angeles International Airport searched his phone and questioned him about his views on the Gaza war and his coverage of the Columbia University protests.

The CPJ described what happened to Kitchen as "a clear case of retaliation for his reporting," noting that this action "sends a chilling message to journalists that they must support the official narrative or face forms of retaliation." The committee emphasized that "foreign media operating on U.S. soil are covered by First Amendment protections," highlighting the constitutional rights journalists should enjoy.

Critical Pre-Travel Advice: Preparation is Key

To ensure a safe and effective trip, CPJ safety experts have provided the following advice for journalists heading to the United States:

• Risk Assessment: Complete a comprehensive pre-travel risk assessment, including an analysis of potential threats based on the nature of your work and background.

• Emergency Contacts: Identify clear emergency contacts and ensure they are easily accessible.

• Communication Plan: Develop a plan for regular communication with colleagues, family, or friends to keep them updated on your whereabouts and safety.

• Written Contacts: Keep important contacts written down on paper in case your electronic devices are confiscated.

• Additional Screening: Be prepared for additional screening procedures upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry.

The guidelines stress that "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices without a warrant or probable cause." Journalists may be asked to provide passwords, access to their phones, laptops, or social media accounts. Refusal could lead to detention or denial of entry into the country.

Additional Resources and Tips for Safe Border Crossing

The CPJ offers valuable resources and advice on border crossing, focusing on digital safety and risk management:

Digital Safety Guide: Pre-Travel Checklist

• Data Backup and Deletion: Back up all sensitive data or delete any information you do not want seen. It's advisable to store this data in a cloud account not linked to the devices you carry with you during travel to ensure remote access.

• Avoid Hiding Information: Avoid hiding information on your devices, as border authorities might consider this illegal and it could lead to further scrutiny.

• Memorize Passwords: Memorize your cloud account passwords and avoid writing them down anywhere.

• Protect Contacts: Protect your contact lists by deleting any information that could endanger your sources.

• Full Device Encryption: The CPJ advises "enabling full device encryption." For iPhone users, it's crucial to ensure Apple's "Advanced Data Protection" feature is enabled, which provides end-to-end encryption.

• Social Media Privacy: It's important to note that encryption may not be effective if border agents force you to unlock your devices, so it's advisable to make your social media accounts private before traveling.

Advanced Risk Assessment Plan

Journalists, especially those covering government or national security affairs, should be prepared for the possibility of prolonged questioning at the border. Travelers from countries subject to U.S. travel bans or those holding dual nationality are likely to face increased difficulties. In such cases, dual nationals are advised to carefully choose which passport they use upon entry into the United States.

Interrogations can be highly detailed, involving questions about residency status, country of origin or destination, and previous travel records. You should also expect to be asked about your political affiliations, professional history, and coverage of sensitive topics.

The guidelines advise journalists to familiarize themselves with border security protocols and understand their rights when dealing with law enforcement authorities at border crossings. The more informed journalists are, the better equipped they will be to protect themselves if detained.

Legal Resources and Dealing with Detention

In case of detention, the CPJ advises remaining calm and identifying yourself as a journalist. Avoid lying to border agents, as this could constitute a crime.

Although U.S. citizens generally cannot be denied entry, they remain susceptible to prolonged questioning or confiscation of their devices. Therefore, it's advisable to practice what to say if a border guard asks to open your phone or laptop. Plan carefully and establish clear strategies before traveling.

Visiting journalists are also vulnerable to sudden changes in visa policies. The CPJ recommends monitoring U.S. Department of State announcements and updates regarding visa restrictions or cancellations. To minimize delays or refusals, it's advisable to check U.S. ports of entry that record the highest or lowest rates of detention and refusal.

In a section of the guidelines on what to do if stopped at the border, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recommends "keeping a lawyer's or legal organization's number handy, and asking to contact them if you feel your rights are being violated or if you are detained for an unusually long period." If formally arrested, "ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any further questions. If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, you should state so clearly and audibly."

In conclusion, vigilance and prior knowledge of potential risks can help journalists work safely and achieve more effective results in the United States. If you encounter serious problems, you can contact the CPJ's emergencies team via email: emergencies@cpj.org.