As Las Vegas works to reverse a recent decline in visitor numbers, Nevada’s two US senators are warning that a proposed federal rule requiring international travelers to disclose years of social media activity could discourage even more people from visiting the United States.
“Our Country Should Be Working to Welcome More Tourists”
Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto have joined several Democratic colleagues in urging the Trump administration to withdraw a proposal that would require travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to provide five years of social media history as part of the entry process.
In a letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the senators argued that the policy risks making travel to the United States more complicated at a time when the country should be encouraging international visitors.
“These policies are further reducing already declining tourism to the United States at a time when our country should be working to welcome more tourists ahead of major international events like the World Cup,” the lawmakers wrote.
The proposed changes would affect travelers from 42 countries that are currently part of the Visa Waiver Program, allowing citizens to visit the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa.
Gheated Talks Amid Tourism Slowdown
According to the text of the proposal, applicants would be required to provide access to social media information covering the previous five years, plus contact information and family data.
Supporters believe that expanded screening would help authorities identify security threats, detect fraud, and improve border security.
Those who are against the new proposal anticipate significant slowdown in the application processing, more cause for concern regarding privacy, and more changes of heart for visitors thinking about picking the United States as their next travel destination.
The debate comes as Las Vegas faces a noticeable slowdown in tourism. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visitation went down 7.5% in 2025, with the city welcoming 38.5 million visitors.
Hotel tax revenues also declined sharply, while international arrivals from key markets such as Canada dropped significantly.
The senators warned that adding more barriers could have wider economic consequences for businesses that rely heavily on tourism, including hotels, restaurants, airlines, and entertainment venues.
“Reduced international tourism is already harming hotels, restaurants, airlines and the many other industries that rely on tourism in the United States,” the lawmakers wrote.
They also questioned how the government plans to implement expanded screening measures ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, both of which are expected to attract millions of international visitors.
The administration has not indicated whether it intends to modify or withdraw the proposal.