All articles tagged with #border control
An Air France flight bound for Detroit was diverted to Montreal after U.S. officials said a Congolese passenger boarded in error amid Ebola-related entry restrictions; Detroit landing was blocked, with new DHS/CBP rules directing flights carrying travelers from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan to land at Washington Dulles for health checks, though there was no medical emergency on board.
Thailand approved a tiered visa-free system that caps stays at 30 days (15 days for some nationalities) and limits land-border visa-free entries to two per year to curb abuse, with implementation timing TBA; officials say the changes protect security while tourism remains vital, as the country targets 33.5 million visitors this year despite a Q1 dip.
Britain and France announced a three-year deal to reduce migrant crossings in the English Channel, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez in Dunkirk, with measures including enhanced patrols and the construction of a detention centre in Dunkirk to deter crossings.
EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) for border checks, rolled out April 10, has caused long lines and up to three-hour delays at several airports, with missed flights amid tech glitches, staffing gaps, and uneven kiosk support; travelers are urged to allow extra time as the system stabilizes, while Europe plans a follow-on ETIAS with a fee in late 2026.
The Supreme Court heard arguments over the legality of border 'metering' of asylum seekers, weighing whether the 1996 asylum statute covers people who are only turned away at the border; conservatives appear to favor a narrow reading that only those 'in' the United States count, while Justices like Sotomayor warned that denying access could violate treaty obligations and cause humanitarian harm.
International game developers are skipping GDC 2026 as escalating US border controls, visa hurdles, and safety concerns intersect with the conference’s pivot to a broader ‘festival of games.’ Interviews describe detentions, social-media scrutiny, and prohibitive costs, prompting some to call for relocating or regionalizing events to maintain global industry connections and preserve GDC’s relevance.
Donald Trump has announced an expansive immigration review, placing around 50 countries under increased visa scrutiny, leading to delays and potential denials for applicants from these nations, amid concerns over national security and humanitarian impacts.
The UK government announced plans to introduce mandatory digital ID cards for all citizens and residents to improve border control, reduce illegal work, and facilitate access to public services, despite longstanding debates over privacy and civil liberties.
A UK cabinet minister has rejected US President Trump's suggestion to use military force to address illegal migration, emphasizing the role of the UK Border Force and the Navy's support, while the government continues efforts to remove migrants and deter crossings.
Americans' attitudes towards immigration have become more positive over the past year, with a significant decrease in those wanting to reduce immigration and record-high support for its benefits, while support for strict border enforcement and deportation has declined, reflecting changing perceptions amid lower illegal border crossings and policy shifts.
Europe is increasingly adopting a tougher stance on migration, with many countries implementing stricter border controls, offshoring asylum requests, and seeking to limit migrants' rights, reflecting a significant shift from previous policies and a rise in nationalist sentiments across the continent.
Over 1,100 migrants crossed the English Channel into the UK in a single day in 2025, marking the highest daily total this year, with ongoing concerns about border control and smuggling networks, prompting calls for increased cooperation with French authorities.
Romania and Bulgaria have been approved to join the EU's border-free Schengen travel zone starting January 1, 2025, allowing passport-free travel across most of Europe. This decision is a significant relief for the 25 million residents of these countries, marking their full acceptance into the EU. However, challenges remain for truck drivers due to continued border inspections, particularly at the Romania-Hungary crossing, which could persist for at least six months. The move is expected to benefit private travelers more immediately, while the transport industry anticipates gradual improvements.
Tom Homan, former acting head of ICE, has been appointed by President-elect Trump as the 'border czar' for his second administration, overseeing U.S. border control and deportations. Homan, known for his role in the controversial family separation policy, plans to conduct a large-scale deportation operation targeting undocumented immigrants. His appointment aligns with Trump's immigration-focused agenda, despite criticism from immigrant rights groups and concerns about economic impacts from reduced migration.
The European Union's vision of a 'United States of Europe' faces setbacks as several member states reintroduce border controls, challenging the bloc's goal of political and economic integration. Concerns over illegal immigration, terrorism, and economic struggles in major economies like Germany and France have prompted these measures, which could hinder free movement and increase costs. Critics argue that border checks may not effectively address terrorism and call for a more integrated EU policing system. The EU's competitive position and future integration remain uncertain amid these challenges.