Do I Have To Comply With Phone Search As a Permanent Resident

[BananaShoes 31]

Thank you everyone for your replies. They were all very helpful.

[belinda63 3,038]

Even US citizens are subject to having their electronics searched. This could be phones, laptops, hard drives, usb drives, etc.

You can always use a second phone when you go or upload everything to the cloud and wipe the phone.

[Rocio0010 5,579]

The question is, if you have nothing to hide, why wouldn’t you show it? They can search without warrant. Medical files are protected by HIIPA, but there are certain exceptions. Plus, if you have confidential information from somebody else and you do think it’s a HIIPA violation, you might be able to tell CBP that and then they can make the call to proceed or not. 

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

***** several bickering off topic posts removed.  Answer the Op's question constructively or do not post ******

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

Your privacy rights, i.e., the level of the search on your device -manual or forensic- actually depend on the state you enter the US through. 

 

Some states require a specific reasonable suspicion while others require no suspicion at all.

 

So even though you should comply, depending on where it happens, you could question the decision.

[El Escocés 217]

6 hours ago, PaulaCJohnny said:

Remember that the only people that have the right to enter the country are Citizens

Here’s an interesting link

 

https://theintercept.com/2021/09/04/cbp-border-tactical-terrorism-response-teams/

 

Quote “Between 2017 and 2019, the documents show, the units detained and interrogated more than 600,000 travelers — about a third of them U.S. citizens. Of those detained, more than 8,000 foreign visitors with legal travel documents were denied entry to the United States. A handful of U.S. citizens were also prevented from entering the country, which civil liberties advocates say violated their rights. Lower court and Supreme Court rulings affirm the constitutional right of U.S. citizens to freedom of movement and the ability to enter and leave the country.”

[mam521 2,062]

I suppose the other thing to keep in mind here is that immigration is a privilege, not a right.  If you refuse to comply, it could have implications on future green card renewals or an application for citizenship. 

 

As stated, CBP has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of the country, so they will exercise that right if they desire, irrespective of visitor, LPR or citizen.  

[mam521 2,062]

1 minute ago, El Escocés said:

Here’s an interesting link

 

https://theintercept.com/2021/09/04/cbp-border-tactical-terrorism-response-teams/

 

Quote “Between 2017 and 2019, the documents show, the units detained and interrogated more than 600,000 travelers — about a third of them U.S. citizens. Of those detained, more than 8,000 foreign visitors with legal travel documents were denied entry to the United States. A handful of U.S. citizens were also prevented from entering the country, which civil liberties advocates say violated their rights. Lower court and Supreme Court rulings affirm the constitutional right of U.S. citizens to freedom of movement and the ability to enter and leave the country.”

PLR's aren't citizens. 

[El Escocés 217]

1 minute ago, mam521 said:

PLR's aren't citizens. 

Read who I was quoting….

 

”Remember that the only people that have the right to enter the country are Citizens”

[arken 4,197]

1 hour ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

Your privacy rights, i.e., the level of the search on your device -manual or forensic- actually depend on the state you enter the US through. 

 

Some states require a specific reasonable suspicion while others require no suspicion at all.

 

So even though you should comply, depending on where it happens, you could question the decision.

CBP is federal. State policies/regulations don't touch them.

[African Zealot 1,455]

On a visit to London I spent eight hours in detention at Heathrow Airport while they contemplated letting me in or not. The holding place was comfortable enough however trust me, being detained is never fun and I am even made to understand UK immigration treats detainees much better than their American counterparts.

 

Good luck and keep us posted how it goes!

[Beth & Achraf 328]

Wrong thing to do, It WILL get you held up-delayed at airport.

I know 1st hand, the CBP officers WILL delay you take you to a room, CBP will  get you phone, laptop no matter what. And if you keep up the fuss, it will be recorded and could hurt you immigration status.

I work with these people everyday, I know.

[Lemonslice 4,836]

Look up EFF.org, they explain how to travel and protect your data. 

[SalishSea 17,819]

2 hours ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

Your privacy rights, i.e., the level of the search on your device -manual or forensic- actually depend on the state you enter the US through. 

 

Some states require a specific reasonable suspicion while others require no suspicion at all.

 

So even though you should comply, depending on where it happens, you could question the decision.

Nope.   Federal law enforcement agencies like CBP/Homeland Security have jurisdiction over all United States  ports of entry, regardless of which state it is located in.

[TBoneTX 45,267]

Points to consider:

The Federal government has unlimited time and resources to make our lives miserable.

CBP has an important, respect-worthy job to do.

All CBP agents are under exceptional stress now, even those not stationed at the border.

Even at best, agents can be in a foul mood and be looking to nail someone.

CBP thrives on the truth.

We're free to act as we wish, but there are consequences.

The above are presented for consideration.