Can I Visit the United States Without Encountering Immigration Problems?

The new U.S. administration has outlined ambitious plans to overhaul immigration and travel policies, with a focus on tightening border controls and pursuing individuals who have a removal order but have not yet left the country.

Under the Trump administration, several changes are expected. The catch-and-release policy, which allowed some migrants to be released while awaiting hearings, is set to end. Those caught at the border will immediately be sent back home, and mass deportations of individuals with a criminal record and those who crossed over recently are likely.

The administration has also pledged to tighten up border controls, and Trump has threatened to make legal immigration more difficult by closing the border and imposing tariffs on close neighbours Canada and Mexico if they do not tighten their side of the border. Trump's plans include creating more detention camps to house individuals for deportation.

The policy of remaining in Mexico to prevent migrants from asking for asylum at the U.S. border is likely to be reinstated. The administration has instituted a series of bans on international citizens and foreign nationals, making immigration to the U.S. more challenging.

However, for citizens of 42 countries, including the UK, Singapore, Ireland, Australia, and Poland, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) offers a visa waiver program that allows them to apply for a U.S. visitor visa online. Obtaining ESTA involves providing standard information and paying a small fee of US$21. No interviews are involved. Each stay in the U.S. under ESTA can only be 90 days at a time. Overstaying can result in the cancellation of ESTA for life and potential barring from the U.S. for a period of three to ten years.

ESTA lasts for two years and allows for travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days at a time. A non-immigrant visa can be issued for up to six months, and extensions can be applied for at the U.S. consulate in the applicant's own country.

The U.S. remains a prominent travel destination, and US citizenship can be sought through naturalisation, marriage, through parents or military service, and permanent residence is possible through sponsorship by an employer or family member, political asylum, or individual filing.

Under a Trump administration, the issuance of U.S. travel visas would likely be significantly stricter, reflecting the administration's overall tougher border policies. Entry to the U.S. is discretionary and requires strict compliance with regulations, regardless of the type of visa. The administration plans to carry out the most extensive deportation campaign in U.S. history, but the specifics of how this will be implemented are still uncertain.