Exactly what rights does an Australian have when it comes to entering the United States?
That’s the issue that has come into focus following
The tale of the Australian lady who faced imprisonment and expulsion from the United States.
.
When it comes to entering the US for Australians, nothing has altered; nevertheless, US border control officers have become more stringent regarding admissions.
Sadly, tourists have limited options for addressing this issue.
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Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to the US
Understanding the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program enables travelers from certain nations to visit the United States without going through the lengthy procedure involved in getting a visa at the US Embassy.
Australia is part of this program, which allows citizens to enter the US using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
However, there are conditions around the program.
It only applies to people travelling to the US for tourism or specific business purposes, like attending a conference or negotiating contracts.
Individuals looking for jobs in the US do not qualify under this program.
Visitors intending to stay in the U.S. should ensure their duration does not exceed 90 days to qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
All travelers using the Visa Waiver Program must have a valid and approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to arriving in the United States.
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What is an ESTA?
Every visitor under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to arriving in the nation.
An ESTA is not considered a visa; instead, it’s permission granted for you to travel to the United States.
Visitors must obtain an ESTA prior to departing from Australia via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.
Applications can be submitted online and typically require anywhere from a few days to two weeks for approval.
Not every Australian citizen qualifies for an ESTA.
Individuals holding dual citizenship from Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea), Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria do not qualify.
Individuals who have recently visited the mentioned countries are likewise ineligible for an ESTA.
Any person who has traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 does not qualify either.
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How to Get Ready for Your Trip to the USA
- Ensure your passport is valid.
- Submit an application for your ESTA or proceed with the Visa process (where necessary).
- Ensure you purchase a round-trip ticket, not a one-way ticket.
- Carry a hardcopy of your travel plan with you.
- Show courtesy to and collaborate with the gate agents upon your arrival.
- Respond to their queries and stay composed.
Could my entry to the US be refused even with a valid ESTA?
Yes.
It’s crucial to recognize that despite having a confirmed and legitimate ESTA, the ultimate choice regarding whether a visitor can enter the United States lies with the US Customs and Border Protection officers.
Nicole Saroukos, a woman from Padstow Heights with no prior criminal history and possessing both a valid ESTA and tourist visa, was removed from a U.S. airport following a search of her phone and bags by law enforcement officials.
She went on the trip to visit her husband, who is a serving member of the US military, but claims she was targeted by border officials on arrival in the US.
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She mentioned that the officer pointed out I had an excessive amount of clothing for a journey lasting three and a half weeks.
Their line of inquiry turned to my tattoos.
I’ve got two Japanese tattoos on my arms and some ink on my hands,” … It seemed like they were attempting to racially single me out.
Cal Californian immigration attorney Andrea Szew mentioned that visitors are currently facing increased examination by border authorities when arriving at U.S. airports.
“It’s awful that an individual’s personal judgment could have such significant impact, leading to my being sent back on a plane all the way to Australia simply due to their off-day, as these decisions indeed remain highly subjective,” she stated.
Some officers allegedly feel encouraged by Trump’s America-first policies.
Sadly, Australian citizens have almost no rights when they enter the USA.
