Guidance on Border Searches

The AAUP released a new document with responses to frequently asked questions about inspections of electronic devices by US border patrol officers. Faculty members who travel internationally should be aware of their rights and obligations, whether they are citizens or noncitizens. Due to the "border search exception" to the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution, your rights with respect to searches and seizures by the government are different at borders than they are elsewhere. You can find the FAQs here.

The AAUP is concerned about an uptick in searches and seizures of electronic devices at US borders during the past year, and is seeking information about such incidents in conjunction with the Knight First Amendment Institute. The ability of border patrol officers to search and seize devices without any reason to suspect their owners have done something wrong has a chilling effect on academic freedom and on the freedom to travel and participate in international scholarly activities. Learn about our joint initiative and about how you can share information about inspections of your electronic devices at US borders.