Would you visit USA in the current climate?

Benedict XVI · 01-03-2026 06:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124274562#Comment_124274562

I did, you just did not understand the answer! Given the cases we have heard reported, there is a 50/50 chance you could be detained at immigration in the US, if you are there is a 100% chance you'll be detained for at least 6 weeks

What are these numbers about?

If you are saying one has a 50/50 chance of being detained at immigration then that implies half the people at immigration are detained.

And if you are there 100% chance of being detained?

Where is there?

The US ?

Are you saying that everyone who goes to the US is detained by immigration?

I doubt you are saying any of that.

But please, make yourself clearer.

helimachoptor · 01-03-2026 07:02PM

I’m still waiting on my visa which seems to be taking an age but I’m back and forth for anywhere between 4-6 weeks, I normally take the same time in Ireland before I travel back and zero issues.

A few pointed questions at pre clearance but otherwise it’s been fine. also agree that the reality is 99% of people are just getting on with their lives, the political class is so polarized and that’s what’s presented in the media

Kaybaykwah · 07-03-2026 02:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124276030#Comment_124276030

Yes, the American people are very quiet from your vantage point in Ireland.

The politicians in charge, and a slight majority in the Senate and Congress have let the President do the bidding of Israel in its war against a country of 90 million, the size of Western Europe. The US wants the repeat of an imposed governance in Iran they executed with the British 3/4 of a Century ago. I don’t know how this could go wrong. Add the menace to Greenland, Cuba, Canada.

This is a perfect recipe for terrorism, and an excellent source of anti-semitism.

But hey, have yourself a nice safe trip.

helimachoptor · 07-03-2026 03:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124293613#Comment_124293613

yes I’ve had plenty of great trips, thanks

yagan · 11-03-2026 01:39PM

For anyone going in the immediate future there seems to be widespread TSA delays in most airports in the USA due to government shutdowns. Be careful if relaying on connecting flights.

mfceiling · 12-03-2026 10:43AM

Was in New York 3 weeks ago with herself and the kids (teenagers).

Immigration in Dublin was no hassle. Guy wasn't particularly friendly but no issue. Asked me what line of work I am in and what was my reason for travel. Barely acknowledged my answers.

New York was New York. Loud, buzzy and generally just an overload for the senses. Food and drink in restaurants was expensive but not really much more than Dublin prices. Pizza slices and takeaway bagels are reasonably priced for a snack/lunch on the go.

Kids loved it but being teenagers that was a given. Personally if I didn't go back for 10 years I'd be happy enough.

One morning in the lift a couple got in and I said good morning and asked them their floor (I was in front of the control panel). She pipes up with "are you here on vacation or are you here to see our wonderful president"? I just nodded and said "just a few days holidays". She then said "I'm really, really sorry. We didn't vote for him". I didn't know what to say so I just smiled and nodded at her.

It's a complete melting pot of a country so there'll be differing political and cultural opinions throughout.

Kaybaykwah · 23-03-2026 04:43AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124293730#Comment_124293730

ICE officers to descend on US airports soon. Should make things interesting.

helimachoptor · 23-03-2026 12:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124333823#Comment_124333823

I’m back in the US now, but you’re right it will definitely change things

helimachoptor · 24-03-2026 08:27PM

Seems the addition of ICE has caused a fairly dramatic improvement in wait times.

Kaybaykwah · 24-03-2026 09:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124338108#Comment_124338108

It may have to do with fewer travelers.

cj maxx · 24-03-2026 11:52PM

Today I heard about a man who lived in NYC for years got lifted and deported . I was surprised as he has several siblings who are legal / citizens . I wouldn't fancy looking for work in the current climate , no way .

Gorteen · 25-03-2026 06:46AM

I was in California a couple of weeks ago. Very, very expensive! Met lots of people… no one had a good word to say about Trump. You'd imagine, even though it's a predominantly Democratic state, that I'd have meet at least one of the e38% who voted for Trump in 2024

The Nal · 25-03-2026 10:31AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124338787#Comment_124338787

You'd have to go well north or inland to county California.

Cyclingtourist · 25-03-2026 10:58AM

I've added the U.S. to my no visit list. Been there wore the T-shirt and donated it to a charity shop.

Nothing against Americans in general, it's their government's foreign policy that grates.

helimachoptor · 25-03-2026 02:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124338199#Comment_124338199

Oh some people are definitely choosing not to travel, but i dont know if that would cause the mass drop in lines that are being televised.
It definitely seems that every airport is very busy in the morning and then it eases off very quickly.

I'll probbaly travel back to ireland saturday or sunday but its the usual evening flight

Sephiroth_dude · 25-03-2026 03:05PM

I wont be going anywhere near the US any time soon, not with that overstuffed oompa loompa in office.

Kaybaykwah · 25-03-2026 03:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124339732#Comment_124339732

The promised increase in ICE officials in select US Airports might have an effect in the next little while, as far as international travellers go. We'll have to gauge if the new beautiful war will deliver on its promise of eliminating or exciting terrorist activities.

They might also want to take a look at lack of safety in Air traffic control, as a deterrent to travel… I lost two compatriots (pilots) that could be related to problematic work conditions brought on by Elon's DOGEing about. In fact, after cutting back jobs in that department, Musk seemed to offer paying Air Safety personnel salaries for the duration of the Govt shutdown.

25-03-2026 03:22PM

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Cyclingtourist · 25-03-2026 03:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124339751#Comment_124339751

With 'Americans in general' I'm referring to chance meetings with random members of the population. If you want to lump all Americans into the Trump camp then that's a matter for you.

The Nal · 25-03-2026 03:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124339751#Comment_124339751

Out of 240 million eligible voters, 162 million of them didn't vote for Trump.

Cyclingtourist · 25-03-2026 05:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340258#Comment_124340258

75 million voted Harris.

The Nal · 25-03-2026 05:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340258#Comment_124340258

They voted Bush in twice aswell. People had no problem going then.

Was before people turned into utter mentalists due to social media though.

Hotblack Desiato · 25-03-2026 05:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124339137#Comment_124339137

It's "Americans in general" that elected that government, knowing full well what was going to happen.

VinLieger · 25-03-2026 06:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124339943#Comment_124339943

No 75 million didn't vote for trump, 90 ish million didn't vote at all which is a de facto vote for whoever ends up winning much like abstaining in the Dail etc. Not voting does not equal not supporting trump it simply equates to not caring enough to vote at all therefore they don't think hes that much of an issue which is nowhere close to not supporting him.

Anyone who didnt vote is in my opinion just as bad as those who voted for him and shoulder just as much of the blame.

brokenbad · 25-03-2026 06:05PM

Have been to the USA twice in the last 3 years - NYC, LA & San Francisco on family holidays - trip of a lifetime with some great memories made and didn't encounter any negative experiences while there. Planning to visit Chicago later this year and looking forward to it. Couldn't give a toss about Trump or the political situation over there. Each to their own….

The Nal · 25-03-2026 06:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340351#Comment_124340351

Thing is, theres huge areas of the country - 10s of millions of people over 10s of millions of square miles - who will never vote and see federal politics and DC as some sort of "Eastern" thing. Almost like a different country. I've known people involved in state and country politics to varying degrees who dont vote in Presidential elections.

They almost would laugh when you'd suggest voting for a Bush or a Clinton. Or a Trump. Or voting to give any one person that amount of power.

How many people on Boards who went to America in the 00s are saying they wouldn't go now? How is it different?

Cyclingtourist · 25-03-2026 07:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340339#Comment_124340339

Yes Americans voted for Trump by a majority of just over 2 million votes, 77m to 75m but they don't elect on a popular voting system.

They also didn't 'know full well what was going to happen'. Did they know he was going to start a war against Iran?

helimachoptor · 25-03-2026 08:30PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124339847#Comment_124339847

My understanding is he'd pay TSA, not controllers.
NTSB have said staffing levels during the crash were normal, one local and one non local and while that's probably less than ideal my understanding is it's been operated like that for quite some time. I think irish aiports have closed several times for periods due to inadequate staffing, so its not a uniquely American problem.

The NTSB seem more focused on the fact US airport vehicles have no automated monitoring like in Europe. So the full responsibility of approving the runway transit is on 1 person with zero safeguards.

But I would say given the helicopter crash last year, trying not to transit via a northeastern hub (or Chicago) is a preference of mine, 95% of the time i fly direct to Atlanta from Dublin.

Cyclingtourist · 25-03-2026 08:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340639#Comment_124340639

"I think irish aiports have closed several times for periods due to inadequate staffing, so its not a uniquely American problem."

I think leaving public employees unpaid for months is a uniquely American problem.

helimachoptor · 25-03-2026 08:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340664#Comment_124340664

Oh it is, its more a commentary on ATC staffing in general rather than TSA.
But shutdowns are not a trump thing, they are a Rrpublican Vs Democrat mess regardless of who's the president.

Would you visit USA in the current climate?

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