Elextra

But overall CBP looks at funds. If someone can't afford their stay, they become suspicious.

EDIT: Adding, they ask how much people intend to spend or call banks to verify

I don't think it is common. I just know it happens.

The process looks like this..

Sort of a good example because it happens to be a traveler going into the United States for vacation, 5 weeks, 1.5k cash, but still denied entry. They always ask for purpose of entry, what itinery looks like, funds, etc.

There's tons of backpackers, as a one bagger myself, I've never had trouble. I think its when you may have limited/no accommodations plus other factors: stories not lining up, limited funds, no/limited knowledge of itinerary, etc. That gets people in trouble. I think most people know where they are going, what for, and how they are going to do it.

Even as a US citizen I'm happy I'm not traveling internationally for a while though. Seems most people are free game regardless to CBP, citizen or not 🤮

I was responding to the original comment above : "Having not fully booked your accommodation for the entire trip could get you denied entry to the US before Trump. Just saying. Especially if you aren’t white. Same with not having an outbound ticket."

Not to the strip searching, abuse, etc.

I agree it is absolutely heinous what is happening in the US and I wouldnt travel here either but the process of denying entry for a combination of limited/no accommodations, limited funds, varying answers, etc does lead to denial of entry in some countries.

It's not the only thing. It's a combination of limited/no living accommodations and no income. If you don't have the income to stay for 5 weeks for example, they will send you back.I'm talking like going to Australia or US with just $500 or something for 5 weeks. I can cite some episodes when I get off work today and you can see the process.

This. It also gets you denied in Australia and other countries. This is non-news.

Source: Previously my guilty pleasure was watching Border Security Australia Not so much anymore.