OMB Control Number 1651-0111

I am writing regarding OMB Control Number 1651-0111. I am firmly opposed to any expansion of data collection practices that exceed the minimum information necessary to identify an individual for entry or immigration purposes. Requiring travelers to disclose social media handles, posts, associated family accounts, or the email addresses and phone numbers belonging to relatives or contacts is deeply intrusive. This level of collection crosses a boundary into the monitoring of lawful speech and expression, and effectively chills free expression online. Social media is today’s public square; treating it as a surveillance target rather than a communication tool raises significant First Amendment concerns. Furthermore, gathering detailed information about the online activity or contact networks of travelers is far beyond what is reasonably needed for identity verification or security screening. Expanding this requirement to include family members’ social media or contact information is especially disproportionate and raises serious privacy and due-process questions. It also places an unfair burden on individuals who may have no control over the online behavior or preferences of their relatives. Policies of this nature risk producing a chilling effect not only on speech but also on tourism. Many visitors will simply choose not to travel if they believe their digital lives—and the digital lives of their loved ones—will be scrutinized or stored by U.S. authorities. Measures that undermine personal privacy and discourage legitimate travel ultimately harm the U.S. economy and damage the country’s reputation as a destination that respects civil liberties. I urge CBP to refrain from implementing or expanding any social-media-related data collection requirements and to confine mandatory disclosures strictly to the minimum information necessary for basic identity verification.