Travelling to America in Uncertain Times: Perspectives from Overseas Visitors
Last year, amid the political upheaval in the United States, British couple Jenny and her husband found themselves at a crossroads regarding their travel plans. With a trip to Boston booked for June 2025, they were excited to explore more of America after their previous visit to New York. However, following Donald Trump’s re-election in November, Jenny expressed that a “shadow” began to loom over their anticipated journey. This sentiment was not isolated, as many international travelers reported concerns regarding the American immigration climate under Trump’s administration.
The Impact of Political Climate on Travel Plans
In the wake of Trump’s policies, numerous horror stories emerged from the US border. Foreign tourists reported being detained, interrogated, and, in shocking cases, wrongfully deported. The immigration landscape appeared to darken, with an 11.6% drop in overseas visits to the US compared to the same month the previous year, according to the US National Travel and Tourism Office. To Jenny, this alarming news crystallized her worries. “I had a growing feeling that I really didn’t want to give this new America our money,” she said, ultimately making the decision to cancel their trip and divert to Crete instead.
Voices from Abroad: Mixed Experiences at the Border
Jenny’s concerns were echoed by many, as an online callout for experiences traveling to the US revealed a spectrum of feelings. While some individuals shared that they encountered no issues at the borders, others detailed anxiety-inducing interactions with customs officials. Despite overcoming the initial nervousness, one traveler, Sarah, who visited Florida with her daughter, reflected on their experience: “We were a little nervous about going, given recent coverage,” she admitted, highlighting how her daughter’s innocent remark about the political climate illustrated the pervasive anxiety surrounding American travel.
Sarah and her family ultimately found the border crossing to be relatively smooth, albeit they acknowledged the privilege they enjoyed compared to many others. “My husband and I had a conversation about how we’re probably quite privileged at the border,” she noted, contemplating whether her fears were disproportionate based on media coverage of the rare but distressing detainment cases that had made headlines.
The Fear of Detention: Personal Stories from Travelers
For others, the fear of detention was far more personal and immediate. Paul, a 44-year-old French citizen in a long-distance relationship with an American fiancée, expressed his profound unease about traveling to the US. “I fear being denied entry – or worse, being detained for whatever reason,” he explained. With plans to marry in the US later that autumn, the specter of abrupt immigration complications loomed large over their future.
Similarly, Alex, a Dutch civil servant with a Peruvian background, shared his own chilling experience during a layover in Miami back in 2017, where he faced a “very angry” interrogation from a border official. His words carried the weight of the unsettling divide now felt by travelers from Europe, who once assumed a level of immunity given their nationality and rapport with the US. “I think it was intimidation for its own sake,” he said, reflecting on how he now feels scared to travel to the US—in stark contrast to previous perceptions of American borders.
The Spotlight on Border Practices and Policies
While the current political climate may induce fear, it has also sparked vital discussions about the long-standing practices at US borders that had often gone unexamined. Paul pointed out that the heightened attention on recent detainments could lead to greater scrutiny of how border authorities have historically treated travelers. “Rightfully, we’re all appalled at these recent stories,” he said. He hoped these incidents would encourage a reassessment of immigration policies that have perpetuated fear, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Journey Forward: Choosing Alternatives
As politically charged atmospheres shape travel decisions, many are opting to pursue alternative destinations. Jenny’s cancellation represents a growing trend among international travelers grappling with the unknowns of the American immigration system. With plans to visit Boston "when Trump is long gone," she encapsulated a feeling of relief in prioritizing personal safety and comfort over preconceived travel plans.
In light of a complex and often troubling immigration narrative, the experiences of travelers demonstrate a profound interplay between politics and the joy of exploration. As the world watches the unfolding dynamics of American immigration policy, it is clear that the lingering questions about safety and accessibility will continue to shape the travel experiences of many for years to come.
