Nevada Lawmakers Fight DHS Plan They Claim Hurts Tourism

Nevada’s federal lawmakers are asking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider a suggested revamp of entry rules for international travelers. They caution that the plan might worsen the state’s economic troubles and put off much-needed tourists.

Nevada Officials Raise Alarm Over Stricter Entry Requirements for Tourists

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, a group of Nevada lawmakers raised concerns about changes to travel rules. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, along with Representatives Steven Horsford, Dina Titus, and Susie Lee, make up this group. They claim the new rules will increase the personal information travelers must provide through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The lawmakers warn that these changes will create new challenges for visitors. This comes at a time when Nevada still struggles with the effects of tariffs, higher living costs, and problems related to federal immigration enforcement.

The new plan would require foreign visitors to share a lot of personal information. They would need to give five years of social media accounts, five years of phone numbers, and ten years of email addresses. They would also have to provide detailed information about their close family and more physical data. Some politicians said this much sharing could turn away people who might otherwise come to the US. This could affect Nevada, as fewer tourists might visit its casinos, trade shows, and entertainment.

Nevada Delegation Says Expanded Screening Threatens Jobs and Visitor Demand

The delegation stressed that states relying on tourism are at risk from policy changes that influence how people around the world view US border procedures. They pointed out that while international visitors make up about 12% of all people coming to Nevada, they account for 26% of total visitor spending. This means even small shifts in foreign travel trends could have a much bigger impact on jobs and the economy. These worries grow stronger as major events approach, including conventions and big entertainment festivals, which bring in millions of visitors each year and provide jobs for thousands of local workers.

Horsford, who spearheaded the initiative, also pointed out the drop in foreign visitors across the country. He argued that extra barriers might slow down the recovery of an industry still bouncing back after several tough years. The lawmakers made it clear they back stronger security measures and better ways to check identities.

However, they think the current draft rule goes way beyond what is needed.They asked DHS to scrap the proposal and work more with state officials, industry heads, and tourism experts before making any final changes. The letter states that policymakers should aim to create a system that keeps the country safe without putting up roadblocks that scare off legal visitors or hurt key parts of the economy.