Rosanna Berardi, Esq., Managing Partner of Berardi Immigration Law, appeared on ABC News Live to explain the U.S. government’s newly proposed requirement for some tourists to submit years of social media history before visiting the United States. The plan, which dramatically expands the ESTA application, has raised major questions about privacy, security, and the true purpose of the Visa Waiver Program.
Rosanna shared straightforward information:
“The point of the Visa Waiver Program is to reward travelers from countries with strong records of lawful entry,” Berardi said. “This flies in the face of that intent. It treats every ESTA applicant like a visa applicant and demands a ton of information.”
What CBP Might Be Looking For
When asked what CBP could be searching for in travelers’ digital footprints, Rosanna highlighted the enormous gray area.
“They may be looking for government propaganda or anti-U.S. sentiment,” she explained. “But who decides what’s offensive or inappropriate? An algorithm? A human? Going back five years on Facebook, who even remembers what they posted?”
The proposal also hints at collecting 10 years of email addresses, further intensifying concerns about scope and practicality.
Global Travel Is Only Getting Tougher
Rosanna noted that travelers worldwide should expect heightened screening no matter the destination. Security has escalated everywhere.
“This is part of the administration’s broader enforcement message,” she said. “First it was international students, then H-1B workers, now it’s ESTA. It’s one piece of their enforcement puzzle.”
And on the Same Day… the Trump Gold Card
In true “only-in-2025” fashion, the social-media proposal arrived the same day President Trump unveiled the Trump Gold Card, a new million-dollar pathway to permanent residence.
“You’ve got to give it to the president, he’s always trying to make money,” Rosanna said with a laugh. “But selling a green card has never been the spirit or intent of U.S. immigration law. Still, I won’t be surprised if many people pursue it.”
Rosanna’s ABC News Live appearance underscores Berardi Immigration Law’s role as a trusted, candid voice during rapidly evolving immigration developments. As U.S. screening and enforcement continue to shift, our team remains committed to providing clarity for individuals, families, and employers navigating these changes.
Watch the full interview here: https://abcnews.go.com/International/video/us-require-tourist-social-media-history-128293985
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