Contemplating Vacation to US: Two Reasons Making Me Pause

American Vibes: The Shift Post-9/11 and the Trump Era

Navigating the States after September 11 was nerve-wracking for many. Border security grew tense and unyielding, stripping us of our rights as we ventured into American airspace. Movies and books were spun, portraying the encounters with suspicious, antagonistic border officers as potential agents of radicalization—even for ardent supporters of America.

Today, it feels even bleaker. During the Bush era, we could justify the country's hostile attitude as a grieving, confused nation lashing out. With Trump, it seems like cruelty to foreigners is the heart of politics itself, not a byproduct of their trauma.

I can't stress enough the striking contrast that makes America feel, especially to those who harbor affection for it and eagerly await their visits. The lingering suspicion that the government despises us is enough to deter any potential tourist, for fear doesn't draw visitors.

With miles saved for a US trip this year, I—like many others—now feel these points would be better spent elsewhere.

Insights

The Trump administration's emphasis on cruelty towards foreigners stems from a combination of political strategies and ideological underpinnings. These include:

Rhetorical and Policy Approach: Trump's administration often employs a hardline stance on immigration, using tactics that demonize certain groups and policies like family separation and mass deportations, which are perceived as inhumane. This approach aims to rally a specific base of supporters who view immigration as a threat to national identity and economic security[1][4].
Nationalist Sentiments: Trump's policies stir nationalist sentiments that emphasize the need for stringent border controls and aggressive enforcement of immigration laws. These narratives cast foreigners as synonymous with crime or terrorism, instilling a sense of urgency and danger among voters[1][2].
Legal Conflicts and Rule of Law: The administration's hardline stance has resulted in legal conflicts, such as the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, where courts have intervened due to perceived violations of due process. The administration's reluctance to respect judicial orders in such cases has raised concerns about the rule of law and further intensified perceptions of cruelty[1][4].
International Relations: In foreign policy, Trump's approach demonstrates a transactional and isolationist mindset, prioritizing national interests over international cooperation or ethical considerations. This is visible in dealings with countries like Ukraine and El Salvador, where policies are shaped by perceived American interests rather than principles of global justice or human rights[2][3].
Public Perception and Political Outcomes: The perceived cruelty in these policies can have significant political impacts. While they galvanize some voters, they also alienate others, contributing to increased polarization within the U.S. This polarization may affect the political landscape as legal issues and public opinion could potentially undermine Trump's support[1][4].

The travel commentary garnered from American airspace since the Trump era has been marked by a sense of harshness and fear.
This hostile lifestyle, driven by the administration's ideological underpinnings, often instills fear in tourists, deterring their visits, especially those who previously admired American general-news.
The Trump administration's policies, characterized by cruelty towards foreigners, stem from a combination of rhetorical and policy approach, nationalist sentiments, and legal conflicts with the rule of law, as reflected in international relations.
This general-news highlights that the administration's approach has garnered criticism for perceived violations of due process and international cooperation, contributing to the country's negative image among many travelers from other nations.
The polarizing effects of such policies, as evidenced by the public perception and political outcomes, have further intensified the fear and tension felt by tourists entering American airspace, making travel less appealing for a broad segment of the general public.