CALL TO ACTION: Contact Elected Representatives to Oppose Repressive ESTA Regulations

 

Hello GANYC Members

As many of you know, the Department of Homeland of Security Customs and Border Patrol division has proposed new regulations that would require visitors wanting to visit the United States from ESTA-eligible countries, also known as Visa Waiver Countries, to disclose extensive personal information, including 5 to 10 years of social media history, phone numbers, email addresses, biometric data, and detailed family background information. If these rules go into effect, it would have a devastating effect on international inbound tourism, which already has suffered since the election of November 2024. 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and#for-further-information-contact

The Official Public Comment Period closes February 9 2026. However, we can do more than just send in comments to the email address below. You can contact your elected representatives via email, web form and most importaly phone! Information on how to contact your elected representatives are linked below. 

Here are some resources that you can use

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS FEBRUARY 9, 2026. Submit objections by Feb 9, 2026. Direct comments to:[CBP_PRA@cbp.dhs.gov]. Comments must include OMB Control Number 1651-0111

The following 2 documents are saved on the GANYC Google Drive. You are not obligated to use it word-for-word. Feel free to customize/personalize in any way you feel appropriate. 

The documents are view-only, so you will need to copy and paste the document into your own document in order to make any changes. 

Template for Sending in Your Comments as a Tour Guide/Tourism Industry Professional

Template for Friends and Family to Send in Comments

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES