Is it safe to visit The US?

[niknak1234]

Over the last few months I have seen a lot of is it safe to travel to The US threads, and a lot of replies of "I wouldn't chance it."

Why do people really think is going to happen at the most popular tourist destinations?

Strip searched at JFK airport because you posted you didn't like Trump on Mumsnet? Shot by ICE at The Magic Kingdom whilst queueing up to meet Chip n Dale? Deported to Caracas whilst watching Lion King on Broadway?

They can check your social media but unless you’ve got something serious to hide I don’t see the issue. We went to Orlando in October, we’re booked to go again this year. I am not worried.

Nobody sane is.

I think it’s safe, generally, yes. At least mostly from political violence (perhaps assuming you are the right demographics).

I’m American, lived there 30 years. Would I go there right now? No. That’s partly for political reasons. I refuse to allow my non-American family members to be searched. But also there are safety issues not specifically related to Trump. Violent crime is high. It’s worse than it used to be, but even when I lived there, I was constantly watching over my shoulder, nervous walking alone after dark, locking doors behind me as soon as I got home. I don’t do any of that here. I’d say it’s similar to South Africa in many ways (used to live there as well and I also wouldn’t travel there voluntarily these days).

Safe? yes, desirable? no.

I mean that's down to personal preference isn't it.

From your blase post, I'm guessing you're white.

I am, what do you think would happen to a black person or Asian person at Disneyland?

It's safe and the people are nice. The media does not represent the country just like the media about Britain is scary but when we go outside, it's not the same as what is on the Daily Mail. Have a great time.

Ask ICE.

😂

I’m not white and I agree with the OP. It’s embarrassing to black people when people make everything about race.

Other races are available. OP has acknowledged that she is white.

OP, the plane doesn't fly direct into Disneyland.

I have been taken aside for questioning and got told I needed to ‘be more careful’ at border control in Florida for having two Egyptian visas in my passport, and this was before all the Trump craziness began. I am mixed race. I love Florida, especially Disney, but I’m not prepared to take the chance any time soon.

Neighbours of ours were in Florida last year doing all the tourist stuff, and were in a shopping centre when it was basically locked down because someone started at least threatening people with a gun, can't remember if they actually shot anyone. The family were split over different shops, and had a chunk of time not knowing where the others were and if they were OK. They were and it was all fine, but that's not something I want to risk exposing my kids to (and I know from friends in the US that that wasn't an unusual incident). The risk may be low, but it's a whole lot higher than in many other interesting places in the world we can choose to visit instead.

If other people choose to travel to the US I'm not fretting that they're walking into danger, but it's not a choice I would make right now.

I’m not sure what “others races are available” means. If it is because I only mentioned black people, it’s because I wouldn’t assume people from
other ethnic groups feel the same way. I know what it’s like to be black, I don’t know what it is like to be Asian, or even white actually.

It’s all scaremongering from the Trump haters . Like any place be sensible and enjoy your holiday .

My DH has said that he would not feel safe - as an Asian man - travelling to the US right now.

I wouldn't want to go there in any case, because I don't want to give any more of my hard earned cash to the Trump regime than I have to.

So why the thread?

If you're happy with going why does it matter what other people would do or their reasoning?

Large parts of the US aren’t safe. That isn’t scaremongering and u less you have lived there you don’t really understand the underbelly of the country. Couple that with the gun culture and political situation you couldn’t pay me to go.

It’s easy to say it’s safe until it isn’t. And it isn’t. To say otherwise is very naive.

I am from there.

Honestly. Read your post again. You are completely negating the experience and fears of asians, hispanics, and other blacks.

My brown extended family in the US ( red state with guns everywhere) have been threatened and told to go back to Mexico. (We are not Mexican). Also constantly asked for ID. Not at Disneyland, just in everyday life.

I hate Disneyland and Vegas with a passion, so if I did go, it would only be to visit family, the national parks or go to NYC, which is a great city. Doesn't seem worth the risk for a country I find largely uninteresting.

I know actual Americans who won’t go home whilst Trump is in power.

I find that so odd.

My family is visiting me in London instead. Much nicer. My BIL appears to have watched too many videos telling him London is unsafe, but only of us has ever seen a gun in a supermarket.