Gill
Bonnett, Immigration Reporter
The
number of New Zealanders held in US detention or having immigration
difficulties in America rose to a new high of 39 last
year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(MFAT).
Latest available White House figures suggest
more than 900 New Zealanders overstayed their US visa in
2024.
The US administration has stepped up border
controls since Donald Trump came to power a year ago,
including searches of electronic devices and social media
accounts.
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MFAT data shows 29 New
Zealanders sought help after encountering border or visa
issues in the US in the last financial year
(2024-25).
In the last six months, there have been
another 16. The figures reflect only those who contacted
MFAT for help.
New Zealand woman Sarah Shaw and her
six-year-old son were among them. They were released last
year after three
weeks in a Texan detention centre because of a problem
with her paperwork when she arrived back from
Canada.
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And New Zealand-born reggae artist Lotima
Nicholas Pome’e – aka General Fiyah – was detained
and sent back to New Zealand before he could perform at
Polyfest, a major Pacific cultural festival, in
August.
MFAT’s Safe Travel website warned New
Zealanders to exercise increased caution, due to safety and
security issues.
It noted the US government had strict
rules for entering and staying in the country and that
travellers may encounter greater scrutiny at the border.
There was also now a requirement for most visitors to
register with US authorities if they were staying more than
30
days.
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