The U.S. tourism industry is facing a significant downturn as the immigration agenda impacts travelers from Western countries, who increasingly report being detained or denied entry at the border. Experts link this trend to the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement, creating fear and uncertainty—even among visitors with valid visas.
What’s Happening at the US Border?
Rising Incidents of Detention Centers and Deportation
- Tourists from allied countries like Germany, the UK, and Canada have been detained, sometimes for weeks, in detention centers.
- Detentions are reportedly occurring despite travelers holding valid visas or green cards.
- Many of those detained claim they were not informed of any specific immigration violation.
Recent Cases Include:
- A German green card holder detained at Boston Logan Airport.
- Becky Burke, a UK tourist, detained for three weeks after being stopped at the Canadian border.
- UK Subs, a British punk rock band, denied entry and held at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
- A Canadian actor reportedly detained in “inhumane conditions” without being charged with any crime.
Warnings from Foreign Governments
As these incidents grow in number, several countries have updated their travel advisories for the United States.
Notable Changes in Travel Guidance:
- Germany: Warns travelers that breaking entry rules may lead to arrest or detention.
- United Kingdom: Cautions that even backpackers and tourists could face legal consequences for breaking entry rules.
- Denmark & Finland: Issued alerts for transgender travelers, especially those with “X” gender markers on passports, due to changes in U.S. gender recognition policy.
Related Resource: UK Foreign Travel Advice – USARelated Resource: Germany’s Auswärtiges Amt Travel Alerts
Economic Impact on US Tourism Industry
The consequences of these policies extend beyond individuals—they’re hitting the U.S. economy hard.
Tourism Forecasts Revised
- Tourism Economics, an industry monitoring group, has downgraded its 2025 forecast:- Expected 5% growth replaced by a 9% decline in international visits.
- Estimated $64 billion loss in tourism revenue.
Quote: “There’s been a dramatic shift in our outlook,” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics. “It’s not just tariffs—it’s the tone and rhetoric.”
Decline by Region
- Canada:
- Road travel to the U.S. down 23% in February 2025 (year over year).
- Air travel down 13%.
- Rising public sentiment discouraging cross-border leisure trips.
Why Are Tourists Being Detained?
Unclear Immigration Rules and Heightened Scrutiny
- Experts say travelers are being caught in a “policy gray zone”:
- Increased use of vague or minor infractions to justify detentions under changing immigration rules.
- Greater scrutiny at borders, even for visa holders or dual citizens.
- Concerns about a broader anti-immigrant climate affecting even casual travelers.
Expert Insight: Pedro Rios, of the American Friends Service Committee, called the trend “unprecedented” in his 22 years of work at the border.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Groups Facing Disproportionate Scrutiny:
- Visa holders from allied countries
- Green card holders
- Backpackers and musicians
- LGBTQ+ travelers, especially transgender individuals
- Academics and students from India, the Middle East, and beyond
- Western travellers facing increased detentions and rejections at the US border
Traveler Tip: Always check the latest entry requirements via your country’s embassy. US State Department Travel Page: travel.state.gov
Is It Still Safe to Visit the US?
The answer depends on your personal risk tolerance, background, and purpose of travel.
Precautions to Take:
- Carry complete documentation (visa, proof of accommodation, return ticket).
- Avoid overstays, even by a few hours.
- Review any past entries or overstays in your record.
- If you’re transgender or use an “X” gender marker, contact the U.S. embassy beforehand.
- Understand your rights at the border:
ACLU Guide – Your Rights at the Border
Traveler Sentiment: Too Unpredictable
Neri Karra Sillaman, a business expert at Oxford University, voiced concerns shared by many travelers: “Even if you have a visa, there’s a risk of being detained or denied entry on increasingly flimsy grounds.” She, like others, is now rethinking future trips to the U.S., despite being married to an American and holding a valid visa.
Besides Border Scrutiny, Polarising Trump Administration Policies Impacting Foreign Tourists
As President Donald Trump launches his second term with sweeping policy changes across immigration, transportation, trade, and federal workforce structures, the polarising Trump administration policies have significantly impacted the U.S. travel industry. From longer visa wait times to airport staffing cuts and national park closures, travelers—both international and domestic—are facing new hurdles.
This guide breaks down what’s changing, who it affects, and what it could mean for future travel in the United States.
Quick Overview: Major Changes Impacting Travel
- Visa processing delays and heightened scrutiny due to stringent US visa or immigration rules
- Layoffs at key transportation and travel safety agencies
- Tariffs and fuel policy changes pushing gas prices higher
- Reduced staffing and access at national parks
- Suspension of inclusive passport processing
- Increased concerns for LGBTQ+ travelers
- Cutbacks in Amtrak and passenger rail funding
Air Travel: Confidence Down, Delays Up
Plummeting Public Confidence in Aviation Safety
Four fatal plane crashes in January and February have shaken public trust.
According to a recent AP poll, confidence in air travel dropped from 71% to 64% in just one month.
Investigations have pointed to understaffed air traffic control, now worsened by federal firings, contributing to a much weaker economic engine in the tourism industry.
Key Policy Shifts Impacting Air Travel
- Hundreds of FAA employees fired, including senior aviation safety officers.
- TSA and Coast Guard heads removed; the Aviation Security Advisory Committee disbanded.
- Over 200 TSA agents laid off, increasing airport wait times and reducing security coverage.
Suggested resource: FAA Safety and Performance Updates
New Challenges for LGBTQ+ Travelers
The UK Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice in response to recent incidents of UK tourists being detained in the US, including Becky Burke, who was held for three weeks at the Canadian border, and a British punk band that faced denial of entry. The State Department has suspended passport processing for individuals using the “X” gender marker.
Laws in states like Texas may soon force transgender travelers to use bathrooms based on assigned sex at birth—even in airports.
Read more: ACLU’s LGBTQ+ Travel Rights Guide
Visual idea: Chart showing global acceptance of “X” passports vs U.S. policy regression.
Road Trips: Fuel Costs and Park Access in Flux
Tariffs on Canadian Oil = Higher Gas Prices
- Trump is threatening tariffs on Canadian oil, with prices expected to jump $0.10–$0.15 per gallon.
- Although domestic production is increasing, the effects are not immediate.
Interactive Map: Current U.S. Gas Prices by Region
Impact on National Parks and Roadside Tourism
- Over 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) employees have been laid off.
- Effects include:
- Reduced maintenance
- Delayed campground reservations (e.g., Yosemite)
- Fewer rangers and closed visitor centers
Find updated park alerts: National Park Service Alerts
Electric Vehicle (EV) Travel Also Hit
- The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program has been paused, stalling the expansion of public EV charging stations nationwide.
More info: DOE EV Infrastructure Data
Train Travel: Slowing Momentum in a High-Speed Future
Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Amtrak and Rail Expansion
- The Department of Transportation is reviewing or reducing:
- $22 billion in Amtrak funding
- Safety grants for rail crossings
- High-speed rail corridor projects
Push Toward Privatization?
- While some private rail investment could bring innovation, it may:
- Increase ticket prices
- Reduce service in rural areas
- Undermine accessibility for low-income travelers
Policy expert quote: “We risk prioritizing profit over access,” says Justin Goldsberry, public transit advisor.
Explore US Rail Projects: U.S. DOT Rail Programs
Hospitality and Tourism: A Fragile Ecosystem
Immigration Crackdown Threatens Hospitality Workforce
The hospitality sector, employing over 10% of the U.S. workforce, relies heavily on immigrant labor and is a crucial part of the US tourist trade.
Restricting visa categories like H-2B could:
- Worsen staffing shortages
- Increase service costs
- Delay hotel reopenings in major hubs like NYC and Miami
Expert Insight: “The sector still hasn’t recovered from pandemic-era losses,” says Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman, Oxford University.
Business Events Suffer from Policy Instability
- Conferences like CES Las Vegas 2025 saw international attendance drop—particularly from China and India.
- Government funding for events is being pulled due to shifting priorities.
Read the report: U.S. Travel Association Economic Impact
Visas: Delays, Denials, and a New Era of Scrutiny
Executive Orders Resurrect 2017-Style Vetting
- President Trump’s new EO emphasizes national security and foreign threats.
- Anticipated consequences include:
- Lengthy wait times (some up to 700 days)
- Increased application denials
- Suspended processing in certain countries
Check wait times: U.S. Visa Appointment Wait Times
Implications for Upcoming Global Events
The U.S. is set to host a “Mega Decade” of international sporting events:
- FIFA World Cup (2026)
- Summer Olympics (2028)
- Men’s & Women’s Rugby World Cups (2031, 2033)
- Winter Olympics (2034)
However, delays in visa processing may hinder athlete and fan attendance.
Projected loss: Nearly $19 billion in spending over two years if delays persist (Oxford Economics).
Quote: “We are not ready,” says Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
FAQs: Foreign Travelers Avoiding U.S. Visits Due to Immigration Enforcement and Other Concerns
GENERAL CONCERNS ABOUT TRAVELING TO THE U.S.
1. Why are more people choosing not to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business?
Many travelers are reconsidering trips to the U.S. due to:
- Increased and sometimes unpredictable immigration enforcement at borders.
- Reports of intrusive questioning, searches of electronic devices, and lengthy detentions.
- Visa delays and denials.
- Concerns about personal safety, racial profiling, or being misidentified as a security or immigration risk.
- Policies perceived as discriminatory or hostile to certain nationalities, ethnicities, or religions.
- Fear of being banned or deported for innocent mistakes or misunderstandings.
- Several western travellers have encountered significant barriers when attempting to enter the US, with many being rejected at the border on dubious grounds under recent immigration policies.
2. Has U.S. immigration enforcement really increased for visitors?
Yes. In recent years, especially at airports and land borders, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has:
- Increased scrutiny of visitors from certain regions.
- Expanded use of social media and device searches.
- Detained travelers for secondary inspection more frequently.
- Denied entry based on subjective interpretations of online content, past travel, or vague “inconsistent answers.”
3. Are citizens of visa waiver countries (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan) also affected?
Yes. Even travelers with approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) have reported:
- Being denied boarding or entry despite valid authorization.
- Having ESTAs revoked mid-flight or after arrival.
- Undergoing intense questioning or device searches at the border.
ESTA approval is not a guarantee of admission, and CBP has broad discretion to deny entry at the port.
4. Is it true CBP can search my phone or laptop without a warrant?
Yes. Under current U.S. law, border searches of electronic devices do not require a warrant or probable cause. CBP can:
- Ask you to unlock your device.
- Review your social media, messages, photos, and files.
- In some cases, copy data for further review.
Refusing may result in denial of entry, particularly for non-citizens.
5. Can I be denied entry for something I posted online?
Yes. There are documented cases of travelers being turned away because:
- CBP found old posts interpreted as support for political causes.
- Jokes or comments were misunderstood.
- Friends’ posts were associated with banned groups or suspicious activity.
6. Is it safe to transit through the U.S. if I’m not staying there?
There is risk. Even for airport transits, travelers must clear U.S. immigration and customs. If denied entry:
- You may be detained.
- You could be sent back at your own expense.
- You may face a formal removal order or future travel ban.
7. What if I have a valid visa — can I still be turned away?
Yes. A valid visa does not guarantee entry. CBP officers make the final decision at the port of entry and can:
- Deny entry.
- Cancel your visa.
- Deport you under expedited removal (which can bar reentry for 5 years or more).
SPECIFIC GROUPS AT HEIGHTENED RISK
8. Are Muslims, Arabs, or travelers from certain countries more likely to be targeted?
Reports and lawsuits indicate that Muslim, Arab, and South Asian travelers, especially from countries affected by past or current travel bans, often face:
- Disproportionate screening.
- Longer detentions.
- More frequent device searches.
- Extra scrutiny over religious attire or names.
9. What about people with tattoos or piercings — are they treated suspiciously?
Surprisingly, yes. Travelers with tattoos — especially in certain styles — have been questioned for:
- Alleged gang affiliation.
- Suspected ties to criminal organizations.
- Misinterpretation of cultural or artistic tattoos (e.g., travelers from Latin America, Asia).
10. Can LGBTQ+ travelers face problems at the border?
While U.S. law prohibits discrimination, LGBTQ+ travelers have reported:
- Invasive personal questioning.
- Judgment or hostility from individual officers.
- Difficulty explaining their relationship to a same-sex partner, especially in visa situations.
11. Are dual nationals or people born in “sensitive” countries more vulnerable?
Yes. Even if you hold citizenship in a visa waiver country, having birth ties to a sanctioned or high-risk country (like Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc.) can result in:
- ESTA ineligibility.
- Extra background checks.
- Travel delays or denials.
12. Will activism, journalism, or political views get me banned?
Potentially. CBP has denied entry to:
- Environmental or political activists.
- Foreign journalists covering protests or sensitive topics.
- Individuals believed to be “anti-American” based on their social media or associations.
PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES OF HEIGHTENED ENFORCEMENT
13. What happens if I’m detained or refused entry?
You may:
- Be held for hours (or overnight) without access to a lawyer.
- Have your visa canceled or ESTA revoked.
- Be placed on a watchlist or barred from future travel.
- Lose your return or connecting flight.
14. Can this affect my visa record or ability to travel elsewhere?
Yes. Denials, cancellations, and removals are:
- Recorded in your U.S. immigration file.
- Shared with other countries (especially Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand).
- Often difficult to dispute or expunge.
15. What if I already booked a trip — should I cancel?
You may want to reconsider or:
- Check if your visa or ESTA is still valid.
- Ensure your itinerary, finances, and accommodation plans are documented.
- Be prepared for detailed questioning.
- Avoid carrying anything that could raise suspicion (books, substances, political material, etc.).
PRE-TRAVEL ADVICE AND SAFEGUARDS
16. How can I reduce my risk of problems at the border?
- Carry documentation: letter of invitation, hotel bookings, return ticket, proof of employment.
- Minimize digital exposure: log out of social media or use a clean device.
- Avoid jokes or controversial posts before your trip.
- Answer questions clearly but briefly.
- Stay calm even under pressure.
17. Can I bring a lawyer to the airport or border?
Non-citizens do not have the right to an attorney during primary or secondary inspection at a U.S. port of entry. You can:
- Ask to withdraw your application for admission (in some cases).
- Contact your embassy or consulate.
- Call a lawyer afterward if detained for longer or referred to immigration court.
BROADER IMPACT AND PUBLIC RESPONSE
18. How is this affecting U.S. tourism and business?
Tourism, conference attendance, and foreign investment have seen downturns in some sectors due to:
- A perception that the U.S. is unwelcoming or unpredictable.
- Visa delays or denials.
- Increased travel to alternative destinations like Canada or Europe.
19. Are U.S. border policies the same everywhere?
No. Travelers report varying experiences at:
- Different airports (JFK vs. LAX vs. Miami).
- Land vs. air vs. sea borders.
- Depending on the CBP officer and local protocols.
20. What are good alternatives to visiting the U.S. right now?
Many travelers are choosing:
- Canada or Mexico for North American business/tourism.
- Europe, Asia-Pacific, or South America for events or conferences.
- Virtual attendance for U.S.-based academic, tech, or cultural events.
LESS COMMON BUT IMPORTANT ISSUES
21. Could I lose my visa if I overstay by accident?
Yes. Even a short overstay can result in:
- Visa cancellation.
- Future visa ineligibility.
- A 3- or 10-year bar from returning.
22. Can past U.S. travel problems affect my children’s future applications?
Yes. U.S. immigration history is cumulative and shared across agencies. Your past visa violations, denials, or removals may:
- Affect family-based visa petitions.
- Be flagged during future applications by relatives.
23. Is there a public list of people who’ve been denied entry or deported?
No. But travelers can file a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for their personal records or consult a lawyer to request CBP/ICE files.
24. Is the U.S. trying to fix these problems or make things easier?
Some reforms have been proposed, but enforcement remains strict. Under certain administrations, policies may relax or tighten significantly. Travelers should check current guidance before every trip.
25. Where can I get reliable updates and legal advice before traveling?
- Embassy or consulate websites for your country.
- Trusted immigration lawyers.
- Civil liberties groups (ACLU, EFF).
- Travel advisories from your home government.
- CBP and DHS websites for policy updates.
Looking Forward: Can the US Recover Its Tourism Reputation?
With allied nations now cautioning their citizens, the U.S. may face long-term damage to its reputation as a travel destination. Industry leaders suggest that a return to predictable, respectful, and transparent immigration enforcement is necessary to reverse the trend.
While many still visit the U.S. without issue, the landscape has changed. Travelers should take extra precautions, stay informed, and consider whether the benefits of travel outweigh the potential risks in today’s unpredictable border environment.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance—Enter the U.S. with Confidence
Whether you’re coming to the United States for a short vacation, a business trip, or a longer stay, one thing is certain: the rules are complex, and the consequences of a misstep can be serious. At Herman Legal Group, we’ve spent decades helping travelers and international visitors avoid costly mistakes, delays, and unexpected denials. Our team understands not just the law, but the real-world impact it can have on your plans, your freedom to travel, and your peace of mind.
Before you book your flight or step off that plane, take a moment to safeguard your journey. Let Herman Legal Group be your trusted partner—so you can cross every border with clarity, confidence, and the power of expert legal guidance on your side.
Your journey begins long before you arrive. Make sure it begins with the right advice. Contact Herman Legal Group today.
Call: 216-696-6170
Suggested Reading:
· How to Prepare for US Entry – Legal Tips
· International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Centre
