Jerry Jackson A growing number of travelers from Europe and Canada are now avoiding the United States, citing fears of detention and deportation under President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. Even travelers with valid documents have found themselves detained or sent back without clear explanations, prompting significant concern among international visitors.
Growing Incidents of Detention for Foreign Visitors
Several high-profile incidents have highlighted the growing concerns among foreign nationals about U.S. immigration practices. Three German nationals were detained despite adhering to immigration regulations—one of them even held permanent residency. A tourist from Wales experienced a three-week detention after crossing from Canada, while the British punk band UK Subs was denied entry at Los Angeles airport, despite having all necessary travel documentation. These cases have raised alarms and prompted Germany and the UK to update their travel advisories, warning their citizens of the increasing risks of traveling to the U.S.
Industry Experts Forecast Major Financial Losses
As a result of these incidents, international tourism to the U.S. is expected to see a sharp decline. Tourism Economics, an industry forecasting group, now predicts a 9% drop in international arrivals, reversing previous expectations of growth. This decline could result in a loss of up to $64 billion for the U.S. tourism sector, which has long relied on foreign visitors to fuel local economies.
Canada has also experienced a marked decrease in travel to the U.S. In February, road crossings from Canada were down 23%, while air travel dropped by 13% compared to the previous year. Tensions over tariffs and Trump’s confrontational rhetoric have further compounded the situation, making U.S. destinations less appealing to international tourists.
European Countries Respond to U.S. Immigration Policies
In response to the growing number of detentions and heightened concerns, several European nations have issued travel warnings. Finland and Denmark, in particular, are advising transgender travelers to exercise caution before visiting the U.S. This is due to a recent policy shift under Trump’s administration, which limits official recognition of gender to only two options, creating potential issues for those who do not conform to traditional gender norms.
Neri Karra Sillaman, an Oxford professor married to an American citizen, shared her own hesitations about traveling to the U.S. despite holding a valid visa. She described the current border climate as confusing and unpredictable, which has left many foreign nationals uncertain about their chances of entry.
Pedro Rios, a human rights advocate working with detained migrants, noted a significant increase in detentions of Western nationals. He expressed concern that this surge reflects a broader shift toward hostility and uncertainty at U.S. entry points, impacting not only travelers from Europe but also citizens of other Western nations.
U.S. Immigration Policy: A Shift Toward Hostility?
The uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies has had a chilling effect on foreign travel. With the rise in detentions and deportations, travelers from Europe, Canada, and beyond are weighing the risks of being caught in a system that appears increasingly unpredictable.
As the U.S. grapples with these growing concerns, the international community is taking notice, and governments are responding by advising their citizens to reconsider travel plans. For the U.S., these policies may continue to have a long-term impact, not only on tourism but on its global standing as a welcoming destination for international visitors.