Nevada Lawmakers Oppose DHS Proposal Over Tourist Entry Rules
Nevada Lawmakers Voice Concern Over Proposed Entry Restrictions
Nevada’s congressional representatives have urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider proposed changes to international entry procedures, warning that the new rules could exacerbate the state’s economic struggles by deterring tourism.
Concerns Raised Over Increased Traveler Data Requirements
In a joint letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, a coalition of Nevada lawmakers—including Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, along with Representatives Steven Horsford, Dina Titus, and Susie Lee—expressed serious concerns regarding tightened travel regulations. They highlighted that the revisions would compel foreign visitors to disclose extensive personal information via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Critics indicate that imposing such detailed data requests poses new obstacles at a critical time when Nevada is still recovering from tariffs, rising living costs, and federal immigration enforcement challenges.
The proposed guidelines demand visitors provide five years’ worth of social media histories, phone numbers, ten years of email addresses, detailed information about close relatives, and additional biometric data. Lawmakers argue this level of intrusion could discourage many potential travelers, potentially leading to a decline in visitors to Nevada’s vital industries such as casinos, trade exhibitions, and entertainment venues.
Expanded Screening Seen as a Threat to Nevada’s Tourism-Driven Economy
The Nevada delegation highlighted the risks that changes to border security policies have on tourism-dependent states. International tourists constitute approximately 12% of Nevada‘s visitors but contribute around 26% of all visitor spending. Thus, even minor declines in foreign travel can significantly affect employment and economic health, especially with major conventions and entertainment events drawing millions annually and supporting thousands of local jobs.
Representative Steven Horsford, who led the group’s efforts, emphasized the ongoing nationwide decrease in foreign tourists, noting that additional barriers may hinder the hospitality sector’s recovery after years of setbacks. While the lawmakers support robust security and effective identity verification, they contend the current draft overreaches and imposes unnecessary hurdles.
They have formally requested the DHS to abandon the existing proposal and engage more closely with state leaders, industry stakeholders, and tourism professionals before implementing any final changes. The lawmakers urge the creation of policies that maintain national safety without deterring legitimate visitors or damaging critical economic sectors.
