A recent column in the British newspaper The Guardian has raised alarms about the escalating risks of traveling to the United States. The piece highlights a harsh immigration climate that has intensified under the administration of Donald Trump, marked by increased border controls, deportations, and abuses by immigration authorities. "Are you into being shackled and strip-searched? No judgment, but if that's not your thing, maybe now isn't the best time to vacation in the U.S.," quips the author, Arwa Mahdawi, a British-Palestinian columnist with legal residency in the U.S. She criticizes the treatment not only of tourists but also of permanent residents and even U.S. citizens.
In her article, Mahdawi discusses several recent incidents that have sparked outrage: Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old Welsh artist, was detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 19 days due to a visa mishap; a Canadian woman held for two weeks; and two German tourists detained for nearly a fortnight. "Being jailed for almost three weeks over a bureaucratic error and deported in shackles is simply extreme," Mahdawi writes about Burke's situation. The young woman was unaware she needed a work visa to perform household tasks in exchange for accommodation.
Stricter Measures on Allies and Residents
The columnist warns that the stringent border controls are being applied even to citizens from allied countries like Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Both the German and British governments have recently updated their travel advisories to the U.S., reminding travelers that a visa does not guarantee entry and that U.S. authorities enforce the law with severe rigor.
It's not just tourists facing scrutiny. Mahdawi highlights the risks for permanent residents too. She cites Fabian Schmidt, a German green card holder, who was detained and reportedly "violently interrogated" and made to shower in cold water. Additionally, she mentions Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, detained due to his political activism supporting Palestine.
A Warning for Potential Visitors
In her concluding remarks, Mahdawi asserts that if she weren't already living in the U.S., she wouldn't consider visiting now: "I wouldn't travel to the U.S. now," she states. She further argues that spending money on tourism in the country means "normalizing an abnormal situation."
"Most Americans did not vote for Trump, but the system he leads now puts anyone crossing its borders at risk, even those with proper documentation," Mahdawi warns. She reveals that she is contemplating emergency measures in case of potential arrest, despite being a legal resident.
While the article is not an official warning from The Guardian or a formal travel guide, its serious tone and account of immigration abuses have resonated with readers and international media. The column reflects the growing atmosphere of fear among visitors and residents in the U.S., suggesting that the country is entering a phase of aggressive authoritarianism, where immigration repression no longer discriminates between foreigners, tourists, or citizens.
Understanding Immigration Concerns in the U.S.
What are the main concerns highlighted by The Guardian regarding travel to the U.S.?
The Guardian's column raises concerns about increased border controls, deportations, and abuses by immigration authorities under the Trump administration, affecting tourists, permanent residents, and even U.S. citizens.
How have allied countries responded to the U.S.'s immigration measures?
Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom have updated their travel advisories, reminding travelers that having a visa does not guarantee entry and cautioning about the rigorous enforcement of laws by U.S. authorities.