Cannes You Return? U.S. Border Policy Prompts Worry in Hollywood as Summer Fest Season Starts

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At the beginning of May, Cannes often sets the stage for the summer’s film season with photo sessions, press conferences, international premieres, and yes, festivals, which attract a constant flow of talent coming in and out of the U.S. Meanwhile, the Marché du Film and other platforms draw filmmakers to seek financing for their movies. However, this year, non-American professionals working in Hollywood are feeling anxious due to the unrest caused by Donald Trump at the nation’s borders.

Concerns are being raised among individuals in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas and green cards due to personal experiences detailing increased scrutiny by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and officers searching personal digital devices at airports. A well-known industry journalist, who holds a valid green card and is planning to attend a festival, expresses apprehension about this issue, stating: “I’ve felt increasingly anxious with every troubling report I come across about another fully documented permanent resident being denied entry at the border.

Despite immigration experts warning that caution is necessary when reviewing travel plans due to the rapidly changing approach of the administration towards the border, it remains challenging to establish any definitive best practices or advisories at this moment. As stated by immigration attorney Stephanie Friedberg, “There’s definitely a heightened vigilance from CBP lately, but most people will continue to enter and exit the United States without encountering significant problems.

Based on reports from numerous Hollywood-based immigration lawyers, there’s been an increase in concerns among their clients, which include individual talents, companies, and studios, regarding travel due to the news coming from the borders. Eric Welsh, a partner at Reeves Immigration Law Group, advises his clients to evaluate the personal risks if they believe travel is necessary. If they still deem it important, he encourages them to exercise caution, diligence, and awareness in their actions.

As a gamer, I’ve learned to be extra cautious when traveling, especially when it comes to my electronic devices. Officials suggest turning off cellphones and keeping them in checked luggage during re-entry to avoid immediate access. Alternatively, you can send your SIM card by mail or use temporary phones and computers for travel purposes only. It’s crucial to have physical copies of important documents like visas and supporting materials that prove approvals and intent to work in the U.S., as showing them digitally might give a CBP agent access to your phone. A filmmaker I know, who is here on a visa, has even gone as far as clearing their devices of any sensitive references to the president and his administration before traveling internationally.

At the recent BAFTA TV awards’ red carpet, actor Jonathan Pryce joked that he might be barred from entering the country if he spoke about Donald Trump’s proposed Hollywood tariff plan.

It’s advised that individuals holding non-immigrant visas should exercise caution when attempting entry or re-entry into the U.S., as additional factors are now being considered. This includes those who have been vocal about sensitive political issues, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, and those with social media activity that might be perceived as anti-Semitic. Moreover, it’s important to note that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has begun scrutinizing immigrants’ social media for signs of antisemitism, although no significant incidents have been reported so far. Similarly, transgender individuals on visas in the U.S. should be mindful when traveling due to a State Department directive that asks visa applicants to disclose their sex assigned at birth.

As executive orders continue to fluctuate – such as the sudden reinstatement of student visas on April 25 for numerous international students – Hollywood faces even more uncertainty ahead. Meanwhile, visa holders attending Cannes are concerned about traveling abroad, while immigration specialists anticipate a larger influx of international talent aiming to enter the U.S. in the upcoming months, before the fall festival and awards season begin.

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2025-05-13 06:54