Last year, while Joe Biden was US president, Jenny and her husband booked a trip to Boston for June 2025.The British couple had been to New York before and wanted to see more of the country. But after Donald Trump’s re-election in November, Jenny said a “shadow” began to fall on their travel plans.Since Trump took office, reports have emerged from US border points of tourists beingdetained and interrogated, people with work permits sent toIce detention centresand even a US citizen seemingly told toleave the country– as well as people beingwrongly deported.Overseas visits to the US weredown 11.6% in Marchcompared with the same month last year, according to the US National Travel and Tourism Office.“I had a growing feeling that I really didn’t want to give this new America our money,” said Jenny, a 54-year-old former librarian from Northamptonshire. “But it took the news of the detainments at airports and borders to really crystallise our concerns into action.”The pair decided to cancel the trip.Dozens of people responded to an online callout to share their views about travelling to the US in light of the Trump administration’s policies. While several people reported no problems entering and leaving the US, others spoke of anxiety at the border and unpleasant interactions with officials – although many people raised it as being a longstanding problem.Jenny said it was frightening to see the reports of detainments and deportations in the supposed “land of the free”.After deciding not to travel, “we just feel so relieved,” she said. “We’ve now cancelled the flights and hotel and are heading to Crete for a week instead. We’ll visit Boston when Trump is long gone.”Several people who got in touch after travelling to the US recently reported no problem at the border. Sarah, a 39-year-old who works in financial services and lives in Hertfordshire, took her seven-year-old daughter to Miami, the Everglades and the Disney and Universal parks in Orlando this spring.“We were a little nervous about going, given recent coverage,” she said. “Amusingly, our seven-year-old asked earlier this year: ‘Are we still going to America now that man is back?’”Gruff border officials aside, at the airport they found everything was fine. “My husband and I had a conversation about how we’re probably quite privileged at the border, compared to some other families,” Sarah said.“It did make me think, am I being disproportionately frightened of something because of hearing coverage about rare or edge-cases? I tend to be quite data-driven, so hearing these stories in the news, we tried not to worry and just thought that we’ve done everything we need to do with visas and paperwork.”Sarah said her daughter had a great time in Florida and at the parks. “When we got out the airport in Miami, she said: ‘The cars are massive!’”But for some foreign citizens with partners from the US, travelling there feels particularly anxiety-inducing. Paul, a 44-year-old French citizen living close to the Swiss border, is in a long-distance relationship with his fiancee, who lives in Detroit. He plans to fly from Paris to Chicago in June.“I am very uneasy about travelling because I fear being denied entry – or worse, being detained for whatever reason – and never being able to set foot in the US again,” he said. “As my fiancee and I are planning on getting married in the US in the autumn, this would seriously jeopardise our plans.” For now, he plans to fly.One silver lining of the heightened attention on the US border, he said, could be the exposure of longstanding unsavoury practices.“Rightfully, we’re all appalled at these recent stories,” Paul said, adding that he hoped these incidents would allow westerners to reflect on how border authorities had long treated certain groups.Alex, 39, a Dutch civil servant with a Peruvian background, said when he was flying to Peru to see family in 2017 he was subjected to a “very angry” interrogation by a border official during a layover in Miami. He said they examined his computer and books and asked if he was a communist.“I think it was intimidation for its own sake,” Alex said. “In all honesty I’m quite scared to travel to the US, but at the same time I can’t help but have this strong feeling of irony about this whole situation. Europeans now can face a treatment by the US that was previously reserved for folks from developing countries.”Some names have been changed.
‘I don’t want to give money to this America’: tourists’ fears of US travel under Trump
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"International Tourists Reevaluate Travel to the U.S. Amid Concerns Over Immigration Policies"
The Guardian
5.9
TruthLens AI Summary
In the wake of Donald Trump's re-election, many international tourists are reconsidering their travel plans to the United States due to heightened fears stemming from the administration's immigration policies. Jenny, a 54-year-old British woman, expressed her reluctance to spend money in the U.S. after hearing reports of tourists facing detainment and interrogation at border points. These concerns led her and her husband to cancel their trip to Boston, opting instead for a vacation in Crete. Their decision reflects a broader trend, as data from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office indicated an 11.6% decline in overseas visits to the U.S. in March compared to the previous year. Travelers like Jenny cite a growing anxiety about the treatment of foreigners and the perception of the United States as an increasingly unwelcoming destination.
While some travelers report smooth experiences upon entering the U.S., others share stories of intimidation and discomfort. Sarah, a British mother, noted her initial nervousness about traveling to the U.S. with her daughter, particularly in light of negative media coverage. Despite her fears, she found that their trip to Florida went well, although she acknowledged a sense of privilege during their border crossing. Conversely, Paul, a French citizen in a long-distance relationship with an American, articulated his deep anxiety about potential denial of entry or detainment. This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the current climate in the U.S. has made travel more daunting, particularly for those with foreign backgrounds. The discussions surrounding these experiences highlight a significant shift in how many perceive travel to the U.S., which has historically been seen as a land of opportunity and freedom, now overshadowed by fears of discrimination and mistreatment at the borders.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a narrative surrounding the fears of tourists regarding travel to the United States under the Trump administration. It highlights individual experiences and sentiments, particularly focusing on the impact of Trump's re-election on travel plans. The concerns mentioned by tourists reflect broader apprehensions about the political climate and immigration policies in the U.S., suggesting that such factors can influence international perceptions of America as a travel destination.
Purpose and Community Sentiment
The intention behind publishing this article seems to be to document and amplify the fears and hesitations of potential travelers to the U.S. due to the current political climate. By sharing personal stories, the article aims to resonate with readers who may share similar sentiments, fostering a sense of community among those wary of traveling to America under Trump's presidency. This could also serve as a cautionary tale, encouraging others to reconsider their travel plans based on political circumstances.
Hidden Narratives and Manipulative Elements
The article does not explicitly conceal information, but it does emphasize negative experiences at border points, which could skew perceptions of travel to the U.S. The language used tends to evoke feelings of fear and concern, suggesting a manipulative undertone aimed at influencing public opinion against the current administration. This manipulation appears to stem from the portrayal of the U.S. as an unwelcoming place for tourists.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
When compared to other news stories about travel and tourism, this article stands out by focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects of travel rather than just logistical concerns. It connects to a larger narrative about the changing dynamics of international relations and how they affect tourism. The article aligns with other reports that highlight the impact of political climates on travel, suggesting a collective apprehension in the travel community regarding safety and acceptance.
Potential Societal and Economic Impact
This article may influence public sentiment against traveling to the U.S., potentially leading to a decrease in tourism revenue, which is vital for the economy. The fear articulated by travelers could result in a broader trend of avoidance, affecting not just the tourism sector, but also related industries such as hospitality and retail. In the political realm, such narratives might contribute to pressure on the administration to address these concerns, potentially impacting policy changes.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article appears to target individuals from communities that prioritize travel and cultural exchange, particularly those who may feel marginalized or unsafe under current U.S. policies. It resonates strongly with those who value inclusivity and openness in international relations, thus drawing support from liberal or progressive communities.
Market and Economic Reactions
The article could have implications for the stock market, particularly affecting companies in the travel and tourism sectors. Airlines, hotel chains, and related businesses may face declines in stock performance if tourism continues to decrease due to fears stemming from political actions. The narrative could also impact the perception of U.S. brands globally, particularly those tied closely to travel and hospitality.
Global Power Dynamics
While the article addresses a domestic issue, it reflects broader global perceptions of the U.S. as a travel destination. The anxieties expressed by tourists could influence America’s image on the world stage, especially in the context of rising nationalism and xenophobia in various countries. The timing of the article aligns with ongoing discussions about immigration and global leadership, making it relevant in today’s geopolitical climate.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is unlikely that artificial intelligence played a significant role in the writing of this article, as it primarily features personal anecdotes and emotional narratives. However, AI tools could have been used in the editorial process to analyze sentiment or optimize language for engagement. The narrative style appears human-driven, focusing on emotional resonance rather than purely factual reporting. In conclusion, while the article reflects genuine concerns from travelers, it also carries elements of emotional manipulation through its focus on fear and apprehension regarding U.S. policies. The reliability of the information is supported by personal accounts, which lend authenticity but also introduce subjectivity. These factors contribute to a complex picture of how political climates can influence perceptions of safety and acceptance in travel.