I have a coworker travelling there in July. Unwillingly, I’ve been more or less been kept in the loop what preparing the trip implies and I’m pretty horrified.

Up until now, these are some of demands made (and accepted):

  • full disclosure and acess to social networks
  • criminal record
  • recent photo, perfectly groomed and in the attire to be used to travel there. No deviations will be tolerated from the supplied photo.
  • complete list of possible identifying marks on the body, with pictures (tattoos, moles, melanistic spots, scars, etc)
  • name and social networks of parents, siblings and other close relatives, including children.

The person is separated with two children; this is causing a lot of friction.

  • has already been warned an interview of up to two hours will be held upon arrival.

The person speaks broken english at best.

  • disclosure of place of employment and other connections to public organizations

They are connected to a local soccer club and a youth sports association.

To add to all of this, this isn’t a standard caucasian human but someone who has looks that can be taken for someone from the middle east, slightly darker shade of skin included.

Flying from southern europe straight to Florida.

I’m concerned. I would not go, full stop. They have people waiting there for them but nonetheless. Considering the heated state of affairs, it is something I consider of not easily to overlook risk.

  • 9488fcea02a9@sh.itjust.works
    412·
    7 days ago

    I have a white coworker who goes to the states almost every weekend to visit family… probably low risk since they’re white…

    Here’s where is gets wild:

    My manager is a muslim, clearly visibly middle eastern. Goes to NYC for meeting twice a month.

    My friend is pakistani, muslim, middle name is mohammed right there in his passport. Goes to lots of midwest states for meetings at least once a month

    Neither on has had any problems at the border and they tell me that my apprehensions about travel to the US are blown out of proportion…

    I still wont go down there, but i hope for their sakes that they are right.

    so basically 3/3 people i know who travel regularly to the states have no problems… clearly ymmv.

    Low probability of incident, but very serious consequences if it happens

    • classic@fedia.io
      41·
      7 days ago

      Low probability of incident, but very serious consequences if it happens

      That sums it up. OP’s friend will probably be fine. It’s just, if not they’re not, it’s really gonna suck

    • Echo Dot@feddit.uk
      21·
      7 days ago

      It just depends on what border patrol agent you get on the day. I’m sure most of them are perfectly normal but at least some of them have been installed post Trump, and those guys see it is their sacred duty to see that no one gets in.