Shock and disbelief at the US border: Norwegian tourist claims he was denied entry over… a meme?!
Have you ever thought a funny meme could cost you entry into America? Norwegian tourist Mads Mikelsen says it did! It all happened on June 11 when Mikelsen arrived at New Jersey airport and was immediately caught in a whirlwind of immigration agents who, according to him, harassed, threatened, and demanded he unlock his phone. Why? Because they found a meme of US Vice President Jay Dee Vance on his phone — but not just any meme, one where Vance appears bald!
A meme as a reason for deportation?
Mikelsen claims the agents used this meme as an excuse to detain him and eventually order him to return home. The threats were serious: either unlock your phone, pay a $5 fine, or face five years in prison! They also accused him of drug trafficking, terrorism, and right-wing extremism without any basis. They even demanded blood tests!
But wait, there’s more!
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) quickly denied these claims. According to their statement, Mikelsen was not denied entry because of memes or political reasons, but because he admitted to drug use. So the meme wasn’t the problem — his honesty about drugs was.
Similar fate for an Australian writer
Mikelsen isn’t the only one facing issues. Australian writer Alister Kitchen also claimed he was denied entry to the US because of his political views, especially his writings on pro-Palestinian protests. However, the Department of Homeland Security stated these claims were false.
What’s going on with US immigration policy?
These incidents come as the US government plans to require students to provide access to their social media accounts before granting visas. This is part of a broader effort to tighten control over entries, including new travel bans expanded beyond just Muslim-majority countries.
Has America become a country of paranoia?
Is it possible that a meme or political stance can be grounds for denial of entry? Or is it just an excuse for tighter control and surveillance? Mikelsen and Kitchen are just the tip of the iceberg in a world where freedom of expression and privacy are increasingly stifled under security pressures.
If this sounds too much, you’re not alone. What do you think? Could a meme really get you deported? Or is America just overdoing it? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just throw in a funny meme — maybe it’ll help you get through the border better than Mikelsen!
Source: Blic, Daily Mail
