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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has advised journalists traveling to the United States to take special precautions, citing growing concerns over potential new travel restrictions and increased scrutiny at U.S. borders under President Donald Trump's administration.
It is particularly aimed at those covering politically sensitive stories and offered detailed legal, digital, and physical safety recommendations to help reporters navigate potential border searches, surveillance, and the risk of being detained or denied entry to the U.S.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and the CPJ for comment.
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Why It Matters
The advisory follows reports that the Trump administration is weighing a new proposal to restrict entry from more than 40 countries, including Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and several African nations.
These potential bans echo Trump-era policies from his first term, previously upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. CPJ warned that implementation could occur with little public notice, urging media workers to prepare in advance for possible disruptions.
Several countries have toughened advisories for citizens wishing to travel to the U.S. under the Trump administration — warning them there could be greater scrutiny at borders after some foreign travelers were turned back.
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What to Know
Among the CPJ's central concerns is the broad authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect travelers' electronic devices without a warrant or probable cause.
Reporters may be asked to unlock phones, laptops, or social media accounts, which could lead to sensitive material being copied or stored. Refusal to comply may result in extended questioning, confiscation of devices, or denial of entry—particularly for non-citizens and dual nationals.
"I have already experienced these border searches and they reminded me of the atmosphere of dystopian authoritarian states where people fear the government for saying the wrong thing not just in public but even in private communications," Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast told Newsweek.
Clean Devices
Journalists are advised to travel with separate, clean devices not linked to personal or work accounts. Devices should be encrypted, powered down before border crossings, and stripped of non-essential data. Logging out of apps, clearing browsing histories, and disabling biometric access are also recommended precautions.
Dual Citizens
The CPJ notes that journalists holding dual citizenship, such as French-Syrian or British-Iranian nationals, are also at at risk of additional screening, visa delays, or entry denial. Using a passport from a country on the proposed restricted list could increase the likelihood of such complications. Dual nationals should "carefully consider" which passport to use when entering the U.S.
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What People Are Saying
Catalina Cortes, CPJ Interim Chief Emergencies Officer: "We've seen a spike in concern among journalists whose work involves traveling to or crossing into the United States. Our safety advisory helps journalists proactively manage these risks, making them feel prepared and confident while planning their reporting."
Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy told Newsweek: "The U.S. is seen around the world as a beacon of free speech and free press with the media is an independent pillar of democracy that speaks truth to power. These intrusive searches will have a chilling effect on free speech and free press not just today but for many years to come."
What Happens Next
With changes to U.S. border policy potentially imminent, the CPJ advises media professionals to stay informed, conduct risk assessments, and remain vigilant in protecting their devices, data, and legal rights.
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