I have a coworker travelling there in July. Unwillingly, I’ve been more or less been kept in the loop what preparing the trip implies and I’m pretty horrified.
Up until now, these are some of demands made (and accepted):
- full disclosure and acess to social networks
- criminal record
- recent photo, perfectly groomed and in the attire to be used to travel there. No deviations will be tolerated from the supplied photo.
- complete list of possible identifying marks on the body, with pictures (tattoos, moles, melanistic spots, scars, etc)
- name and social networks of parents, siblings and other close relatives, including children.
The person is separated with two children; this is causing a lot of friction.
- has already been warned an interview of up to two hours will be held upon arrival.
The person speaks broken english at best.
- disclosure of place of employment and other connections to public organizations
They are connected to a local soccer club and a youth sports association.
To add to all of this, this isn’t a standard caucasian human but someone who has looks that can be taken for someone from the middle east, slightly darker shade of skin included.
Flying from southern europe straight to Florida.
I’m concerned. I would not go, full stop. They have people waiting there for them but nonetheless. Considering the heated state of affairs, it is something I consider of not easily to overlook risk.
Don’t take your phone with you. Put your sensitive information and credentials into Bitwarden. Buy a cheap smartphone from the U.S., install Bitwarden and use it. When leaving, log out of Bitwarden, delete the app, reset the phone and leave it behind.
My lawyers at my university say this behavior will get you detained. Really making it look like you have something to hide.
I am not going anywhere.
But you made me wonder. What would be the reaction if someone went there and not carried a cellphone nor any other electronic equipment? And now I’m thinking about my own personal use of it. I can survive without internet for long bouts and my most important credentials are commited to memory, along with important numbers.
What could happen if someone just arrived at the gates with two book, a notebook and perhaps a couple of mechanical pencils and a pen?