Meme on Phone Gets Tourist Barred from U.S. Entry

The Trump administration in the United States is intensifying its scrutiny of foreign nationals, particularly students applying for visas. Officials are now examining applicants' social media profiles as part of this process. Recently, a 21-year-old tourist from Norway, Mads Mikkelsen, claimed he was denied entry into the USA due to a meme found on his phone.

Mikkelsen explained that the meme depicted US Vice President JD Vance with an exaggerated bald head and cartoonish features. Upon arriving at New Jersey airport, immigration officials questioned him and took him to a separate room. There, they requested his shoes, mobile phone, and backpack.

Social Media Scrutiny

Officials accused Mikkelsen of involvement in drug trafficking, terrorism plots, and right-wing extremism. He clarified that the meme was automatically saved from a group chat app and was intended as a joke. Additionally, officials disapproved of a photo showing him with a handmade wooden pipe.

Mikkelsen stated both images were saved to his camera roll from a chat app without his intention. "I really didn't think that these innocent pictures would put a stop to my entry into the country," he remarked. The officers reportedly pressured him to unlock his phone.

Pressure and Threats

Mikkelsen recounted that officials threatened him with jail time or a $5,000 fine if he refused to unlock his device. This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by foreign visitors under current US policies.

The situation underscores the heightened vigilance by US authorities regarding digital content carried by travelers. It serves as a reminder for tourists to be cautious about what is stored on their devices when entering the country.