French scientist denied US entry after phone messages critical of Trump found
GuardianMAR 21
Paris Says French Scientist Denied US Entry Over Trump Criticism on Phone
Above: The US Customs and Border Protection CBP sign, inscription, and symbol displayed in Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Image copyright: Nicolas Economou/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This action represents an unprecedented assault on academic freedom and is a sign that the Trump administration is killing free speech. Expressing personal opinions about government policies should not be grounds for exclusion from the US, especially for legitimate scientific collaboration.
Right narrative
US authorities have the sovereign right to deny entry to individuals whose communications raise security concerns. Regardless of their professional status or purpose of visit, national security takes precedence over freedom of expression by non-US citizens.