HONOLULU (KHON2) — The short answer is yes. The longer answer is you need to be sure you understand the new laws and Executive Orders being put into place by the President of the United States (POTUS) regarding immigration that is spilling over into the tourism realm.
Recently, Germany updated their travel advisory for their citizens when it comes to travel to the for United States. According to news sources, several German citizens have been detained at U.S. borders for varying degrees of time, from 48 hours to six weeks.
The advisory emphasizes that holding a U.S. visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee entry into the U.S. and does not guarantee that German citizens will not be swept up in immigration raids in cities or at border check points.
So, with Hawaiʻi depending so heavily on tourism and with tourism typically being from places outside the U.S., KHON2.com decided to do a bit of digging to find out how safe it is to travel to Hawaiʻi for holiday plans and what visitors need to know while here.
Thus far, these are some of the Executive Orders that are impacting travel into the U.S.
1. Executive Order 14158 (Jan. 20): This EO established the “Department of Government Efficiency”. While our attention has been drawn to their ransacking of government agencies, this order is also impacting agencies related to travel and immigration. Click here to read the EO.
2. Executive Order 14159 (Jan. 21): This one is titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”. It enhances the vetting procedures for visa applicants to prevent entry of individuals who may pose security threats. Click here to read the EO.
3. Proposed Travel Ban Expansion (March): POTUS is finalizing a new travel ban that may prohibit or severely limit visitors from more than 40 countries from entering the U.S. This potential expansion has raised concerns amongst several state leaders seeking more clarity. Click here to read more about this impending EO.
While these EOs aren’t specifically targeting tourists, there is no guarantee that visitors will not or cannot get swept up in the chaos like several German tourists already have. So, here are some tips on safely traveling to and enjoying Hawaiʻi.
Factors that may lead to “additional screening” by border security in Hawaiʻi
Now, this advice is based on traditional understandings of how border security works. With increased vigilance in order to reach higher numbers of deportations, there may be more guidances that shake out over the next few months.
- Arriving without proper documentation: Not having a valid passport, visa or ESTA authorization (if required) can lead to immediate denial of entry.
- Overstaying a Visa: If a visitor has previously overstayed in the U.S., even for a short period, they may face extra scrutiny or denial of entry.
- Providing false information: Lying about the purpose of the trip, travel history or employment status can trigger further questions or denial of entry.
- Having a criminal record: Prior arrests or convictions (even for minor offenses) can cause delays, secondary inspections or denial of entry.
- Carrying banned items: Bringing restricted agricultural products, drugs (including cannabis, even if legal in Hawaiʻi) or other prohibited goods can lead to detention or fines. This could include social media posts or other things on your phone that are anti-POTUS, pro-Hamas, etc… News sources have reported both Iranian and Persian travelers turned away at border control in airports due to information found on their phones that included photos of Gaza and an anti-POTUS post.
- Being on a watchlist: Individuals flagged for past immigration violations, security risks or suspected illegal activity may be subject to increased scrutiny.
- “Looking” like a “flight risk”: Visitors who can’t show proof of a return ticket, hotel reservations or financial means to support themselves may raise suspicion. But this category is based more on feeling than data.
- Attempting to work illegally: Tourists on a visa waiver or visitor visa who hint at plans to work in the U.S. without proper authorization may be denied entry. This can include carrying items with you that may look like they could be used to make money while in the U.S. An example of this is one of the German tourists who has been detained for six weeks. She was carrying a tattoo gun in her luggage which led border security to believe she was entering the U.S. to work.
- Acting nervous or suspicious: Border officers are trained to detect unusual behavior. Appearing evasive, anxious or giving inconsistent answers can lead to additional questioning. Again, this is based more on feeling than data. So, be vigilant.
- Having frequent short-term visits: Visitors who frequently travel in and out of the U.S. for short stays may be suspected of working illegally or overstaying. Regardless of whether this is for work or family, these short visits are now considered suspicious.
Situations that may lead to immigration enforcement actions
Once you make it through border security, you still need to be sure that you are cognizant of not being swept up in immigration raids. Waikiki and Chinatown are heavily tourist-soaked areas; so, if immigration sweeps are going to take place, these two places could be on the list. So, stay vigilant.
- Working without authorization: Tourists working under the table or using fake documents risk being detained if caught in workplace inspections.
- Living with or associating with undocumented individuals: Being at the wrong place at the wrong time (such as a raid targeting an undocumented household) can lead to questioning.
- Ignoring a deportation order: Individuals with existing removal orders who have not left the U.S. are at high risk of being detained.
- Being in “the wrong place at the wrong time”: Immigration raids sometimes sweep up people who were simply near targeted locations.
- Using fraudulent documents: Fake IDs, work permits or visas can lead to immediate detention and deportation.
You can click here, here and here to read more on how to navigate border control and immigration.
That’s the long of it. It is safe to visit Hawaiʻi. But be vigilant, know your rights, have your consulate’s phone number memorized and have fun!