A column published in the British newspaper The Guardian has raised alarms by warning about the increasing risks of traveling to the United States, amid a migratory climate that, under the administration of Donald Trump, has intensified border controls, deportations, and abuses by immigration authorities.
"Do you enjoy being chained and made to strip? No judgment, but if that's not your thing, maybe it's not a good idea to vacation in the U.S. right now," quips the author of the text, Arwa Mahdawi, a British-Palestinian columnist with legal residency in the North American country, who denounces the treatment being received not only by tourists but also by permanent residents and even U.S. citizens.
In the post, the journalist mentions several recent cases that have caused outrage: that of Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old Welsh artist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 19 days for entering with the wrong visa; that of a Canadian woman who was in custody for two weeks; and that of two German tourists, who were held in a detention center for almost two weeks.
“The nearly three-week imprisonment due to a bureaucratic error, and being deported in shackles, is simply extreme,” writes the author about Burke's case.
The young woman did not know that she needed a work visa to perform domestic tasks in exchange for lodging.
The columnist also warns that border controls are being applied with particular severity even to citizens of allied countries such as Germany, Canada, or the United Kingdom.
In fact, it points out that the German government and the United Kingdom have recently updated their travel alerts for the U.S., reminding that a visa does not guarantee entry into the country, and that U.S. authorities enforce the law with extreme rigor.
But it's not just about tourists. The author warns that even permanent residents are not safe.
He cites the case of Fabian Schmidt, a German with a green card who was detained and, according to reports, “violently interrogated” and forced to strip and take a cold shower.
It also mentions the Palestinian Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident in the U.S., who was detained for his political activism in support of Palestine.
In her final reflection, the journalist asserts that if she did not already live in the United States, she would not consider visiting it at this time: “I would not travel to the U.S. right now,” she states.
And he adds that spending money on tourism in the country amounts to "normalizing an abnormal situation."
"Most Americans did not vote for Trump, but the system he leads now endangers anyone who crosses its borders, even with proper documentation," the author declares, stating that she is considering emergency measures in light of a possible arrest, even as a legal resident.
Although the article is not an official warning from The Guardian, nor a formal travel guide, the seriousness of the tone and the account of migratory abuses have made an impact among readers and international media.
The column reflects the growing atmosphere of fear among visitors and residents in the U.S. and suggests that the country is entering a phase of aggressive authoritarianism, where immigration repression no longer differentiates between foreigners, tourists, or citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Migration Risks When Traveling to the U.S.
Why is it recommended not to travel to the U.S. at this time?
The recommendation not to travel to the U.S. is based on the increasing migration risks under the administration of Donald Trump, which include arbitrary detentions, deportations, and abuses by immigration authorities. The column from The Guardian highlights cases of tourists and permanent residents who have faced prolonged detentions due to bureaucratic errors or misunderstandings with their visas.
What cases of migration abuse have been reported recently?
Several cases of immigration abuse have been reported, such as that of a Welsh artist detained for 19 days due to a visa error, and German and Canadian tourists held in detention centers for weeks. Furthermore, there have been reports of harsh treatment towards permanent residents and citizens from allied countries, prompting Germany and the United Kingdom to update their travel advisories for the U.S.
What is the situation of permanent residents in the U.S. regarding immigration policies?
Permanent residents are not exempt from severe immigration checks. There have been documented cases of legal residents who have been detained and subjected to violent interrogations or inhumane conditions in detention centers. This reflects a tightening of immigration policies that affects even individuals with legal status in the country.
What should Cuban immigrants do in light of the current situation in the U.S.?
It is recommended that Cuban immigrants stay informed about changes in immigration policies and consult with experts before planning trips to Cuba or any other destination. This warning is especially relevant for those who hold the status of "political prisoners," as they may face greater scrutiny upon returning to the U.S.
Filed under:
