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\nMFAT warns travellers may encounter greater scrutiny at the US border.
\nPhoto: RNZ\n<\/p>\n
The number of New Zealanders held in US detention or having immigration difficulties in America<\/a> rose to a new high of 39 last year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).<\/p>\n Latest available White House figures suggest more than 900 New Zealanders overstayed their US visa in 2024.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n MFAT data shows 39 New Zealanders sought help after encountering border or visa issues in the US in the last financial year (2024-25).<\/p>\n In the last six months, there have been another 16. The figures reflect only those who contacted MFAT for help.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> because of a problem with her paperwork when she arrived back from Canada.<\/p>\n And New Zealand-born reggae artist Lotima Nicholas Pome’e – aka General Fiyah – was detained and sent back to New Zealand<\/a> before he could perform at Polyfest, a major Pacific cultural festival, in August.<\/p>\n MFAT’s Safe Travel website warned New Zealanders to exercise increased caution, due to safety and security issues.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n