Is America Safe? Tips for Navigating the U.S. as a Person of Color

So, is America safe for foreign travelers—particularly Latinos, Black travelers, and other people of color?

The answer is complicated. The U.S. is a vast country with varying levels of safety depending on where you go, how you present, and even how you speak.

A growing number of U.S. allies have issued travel warnings this week advising caution for those looking to travel to America.

This includes Germany, the U.K., Denmark and Finland, and while none of the advisories is a formal warning against travel, the guidance highlights the increasing concern about immigration enforcement and the unpredictability of border entry, even for those with valid travel documents.

While the U.S. remains a close partner to many European nations, the move by four governments to publicly caution travelers shows increased concern over U.S. immigration and enforcement practices.

This comes following a number of border-entry incidents that happened in recent weeks, including when a French scientist was denied entry to the U.S. while on assignment for the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) after immigration officers searched his phone and found messages that were critical of President Donald Trump, the Guardian reported.

Additionally, U.K. tourist Becky Burke was deported from the U.S. earlier this month after enduring 19 days in a U.S. detention facility, according to the BBC.

She was detained by U.S. immigration officials despite believing she had followed the correct procedures for her entry requirement.

Portugal has just updated its travel advice for the U.S. to reflect tighter entry conditions and changes around gender recognition.

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So far, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Germany, France, and the U.K. have all issued new travel guidance for those wishing to travel to the U.S.

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its guidance on March 25, and warned travelers that “possession of an ESTA or a visa does not constitute an automatic right of entry to the USA,” as the acceptance of entry is determined “by the border agent upon arrival in U.S. territory.”

ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to the U.S. under its visa waiver program, and is valid for visits up to 90 days.

For Travelers from Canada

Government of Canada Travel Advisory for the U.S.: Check Here
Canada Border Services Agency: Visit Here

For Travelers from the UK

UK Government Foreign Travel Advice (USA): Check Here
UK Embassy in the U.S.: Visit Here

For Travelers from the Caribbean

Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (for Jamaicans traveling to the U.S.): Check Here
Trinidad & Tobago Foreign Affairs for U.S. Travel: Visit Here

At the end of the day, traveling to the U.S. as a person of color requires awareness, preparation, and confidence. It’s important to stay informed, protect yourself, and enjoy the experiences that make travel so rewarding.

I never thought I’d see a time when America felt like an uncertain place for travelers, but here we are.

As someone who has spent years exploring different countries, speaking at travel conferences, and advocating for fair treatment of travelers of color, I’ve always believed that travel is about connection, discovery, and joy. But in the past few years, something has shifted.

The energy at U.S. borders feels different. The unease isn’t just about the long immigration lines or strict visa rules—it’s about the silent but growing hostility toward foreigners, particularly those who aren’t white.

Whether I’m scrolling through headlines about travel bans, reading stories from my community about racial profiling, or hearing firsthand accounts from fellow travelers who were treated like criminals at customs, the reality is clear: America doesn’t feel as welcoming as it once did.

Now, with a new wave of tariff wars between the U.S. and countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, things are only getting more complicated.

Economic policies might seem like a separate issue from travel safety, but they’re deeply connected. When governments clash, it creates ripple effects in how people from those countries are perceived and treated.

And let’s be honest—when tensions rise, Black and brown travelers are often the ones who bear the brunt of the hostility.

So, if you’re a Latino traveler from Mexico, a Chinese student visiting family, or even a Black Canadian thinking about a weekend trip to the U.S., you might be wondering: Is it still safe to visit? Will I face extra scrutiny? Will I be treated differently just because of where I’m from?

These are the questions I want to explore, not just as an industry professional, but as someone who cares deeply about the safety and dignity of travelers of color.

Absolutely. Here’s a new section you can include in your blog post that adds this important perspective:

Digital Surveillance and Detentions at U.S. Borders: What Travelers Need to Know

Another layer of concern that often flies under the radar is how the U.S. treats travelers at the border.

Since Trump took office, there have been a growing number of cases where people have been detained, questioned, or even deported based on their social media content, political views, or who they’re associated with online.

Many travelers don’t realize that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have wide-reaching authority. They can search your phone, scroll through your photos, read your messages, and review your social media posts without a warrant.

And yes, your tweets, Facebook posts, TikToks, and WhatsApp chats could be used against you, especially if they contain anything deemed critical of the U.S. government or the president.

There have been real cases that highlight how serious this is:

A British tourist was denied entry after joking on Twitter about “destroying America” on vacation (he meant partying).
A Palestinian student was detained at Boston Logan Airport and denied entry due to politically charged posts shared by his friends—not even posts he wrote himself.
A Canadian journalist was questioned about her political beliefs and articles she had written critical of U.S. foreign policy.
And most recently, a story went viral about a married man—an American who voted for Trump—whose Portuguese wife was pulled into secondary inspection at the airport. Despite being married and having a valid visa, she was sent to a detention center and is now being deported back to Portugal.

So, what does this mean for you as a traveler? It means you need to know your rights at the border. While non-citizens have fewer legal protections than U.S. citizens at ports of entry, you do not have to provide passwords or unlock your devices in most cases.

That said, refusing could still result in being denied entry if you are not a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

Clean up your digital presence before traveling. Remove posts that could be misinterpreted.
Use privacy settings on your social platforms—but remember, nothing online is truly private.
Travel with a clean device, or backup your personal data and carry a phone with minimal apps and accounts.
Don’t assume your citizenship protects you if you’re traveling with a non-citizen spouse or friend—CBP makes mistakes.
Contact a lawyer immediately if you or someone you know is detained.

The U.S. government has made it clear: they’re watching us closely. And for travelers of color, immigrants, or anyone who doesn’t “fit the mold,” this kind of surveillance can feel incredibly invasive and targeted.

Knowing your rights matters more than ever when you’re flying within the U.S. or internationally.

If you’re a U.S. citizen flying domestically, TSA and ICE cannot search your phone or force you to unlock it without a warrant.

If you’re approached, you can calmly respond, “I don’t consent. Am I free to go?” On international flights, however, the rules shift.

U.S. Customs can legally search your device at the border even without a warrant. You’re not required to provide your passcode, but refusing may result in them holding your phone temporarily.

One important safety tip: power off your device before inspection so it won’t unlock with Face ID or a fingerprint. Regardless of where you’re headed, stay calm, be respectful, and protect your privacy.

The more you understand your rights, the better prepared you’ll be to handle US Customs agents.

Living in Conservative Tennessee:

When people ask me if the U.S. is safe, especially for people of color, I know what they’re really asking: Should I worry about gun violence?

Will I be unwelcome because I’m Black? These aren’t hypothetical concerns. They’re real, and I live with them every day.

I live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, one of the most conservative counties in the country. My husband and I are the only Black family in our neighborhood.

99% of our neighbors are Trump supporters, and they don’t hide their feelings about our presence. Some just ignore us, while others make it clear in their body language, conversations, and outright hostility that they don’t want us here.

You can feel it, the weight of being the “other” in a place where people believe they should be the only ones.

And in Tennessee, where gun culture runs deep, we had to choose between our safety. I never thought I would own a gun, but here we are because we have to.

My husband and I decided to legally arm ourselves, not because we’re eager to join the culture of gun ownership, but because we need to be prepared.

We are not naïve. We understand the history of racial violence in America, and we also understand that, in an emergency, we cannot always rely on the police to protect us.

It’s no secret that America has a gun problem. The U.S. has the highest rate of gun-related deaths among developed nations.

We see mass shootings on the news regularly. We hear about unarmed Black men being shot by police. And yet, owning a gun here is almost as casual as owning a car.

States like Tennessee have relaxed gun laws that allow permitless carry, meaning almost anyone can walk around armed without training or background checks.

The idea that anyone around you could be carrying a gun at any given time is unsettling—especially when you are a Black person in a majority-white, heavily conservative area.

I won’t sugarcoat it: Gun violence in America is a real concern. But the media doesn’t always tell the full story. Yes, the U.S. has a problem with mass shootings.

Yes, police brutality and racially motivated violence exist. Yes, being Black or Brown in certain areas can make you a target. But at the same time, not every place is a war zone.

Would I tell a Black traveler to be cautious? Absolutely. Would I tell them to avoid the U.S. entirely?

No—but I would tell them to stay aware, research where they’re going, and understand the culture of the area they’re visiting. America isn’t just one thing. It’s not just the violent headlines.

It’s not just the deeply divided politics. There are places where you will feel safe and welcome, and there are places where you won’t.

At the end of the day, navigating America as a Black person means being prepared—for anything. That’s why my husband and I did what we had to do.

Because no matter how much they don’t want us here, we have every right to exist, live, and protect ourselves.

The New Tariff Wars: What’s Happening?

Let’s start with the basics. Over the last few months, the Biden administration has announced new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and medical equipment.

Canada and Mexico are caught in the crosshairs, retaliating with their tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, auto parts, and even consumer goods.

The EU isn’t staying quiet either—there are new restrictions on American tech companies and whispers of upcoming tariffs in response to U.S. policies.

On paper, this is just politics as usual. Tariffs have been a bargaining tool for centuries. But let’s be real: the impact goes beyond the economy.

These disputes create a sense of unease for international travelers, especially those from countries facing off with the U.S. in these economic battles.

If you’re a Canadian or Mexican national thinking about a trip to the U.S., you might be wondering: Will I face extra scrutiny at customs? Will my visa be delayed or denied?

Will Americans treat me differently just because of where I’m from? These are valid concerns, and they’re even more intense for travelers of color.

Is the U.S. Still Welcoming to Foreigners?

In theory, yes. The U.S. thrives on tourism. New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and even smaller cities rely on international visitors for billions of dollars in revenue each year.

But theory and reality don’t always align, and for people of color—especially Latinos and Black travelers—the climate can feel tense.

Let’s talk about some of the specific issues that make visiting America feel less than welcoming these days.

The Reality of Crime and Hate Crimes in the U.S.

Beyond the economic impact of these tariffs, there’s another layer of concern for travelers of color—safety. While the U.S. has always been a complex place for marginalized communities, recent years have seen a rise in hate crimes and racially motivated violence.

According to the FBI’s latest crime data, hate crimes have been increasing, with Black and Latino individuals being among the most targeted groups.

Anti-Asian hate crimes also surged during the pandemic, fueled by racist rhetoric. For many foreigners, especially those who are visibly of color, the political climate combined with heightened nationalism can create an unwelcoming environment.

Stories of travelers facing racial profiling, discrimination at airports, or even verbal and physical harassment in certain regions are becoming all too common.

While major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago tend to be more diverse and accepting, rural areas and politically conservative regions can feel unpredictable.

It’s not about fearmongering, it’s about being aware of the realities and understanding where and how to move safely in the U.S.

1. Increased Border Scrutiny

We’ve seen this play out before. When political tensions rise, so does scrutiny at the border.

In 2018, during the height of the Trump administration’s trade war with China, Chinese nationals reported increased visa denials and detentions at U.S. airports.

Now, with Mexico and Canada involved in tariff battles, it wouldn’t be surprising if border agents start asking more pointed questions or delaying entries.

For Latinos, the situation is even more complicated. Even before the latest tariffs, U.S. border patrol was notorious for racial profiling.

I’ve heard stories from friends and fellow travelers—Latinos with valid visas being turned away, questioned aggressively, or even detained without cause.

With tensions running high, border agents might feel even more emboldened to scrutinize travelers from Mexico, Canada, and Latin America in general.

2. The Rise of Xenophobia in the U.S.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: There’s a growing wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in certain parts of the U.S.

While it’s not everywhere, the loudest voices in some communities are making it clear that foreigners—especially those from Latin America, Africa, and Asia—are unwelcome.

Tariff wars don’t just impact governments; they impact public perception. If a news station keeps pushing the idea that “Mexico is hurting American businesses” or “China is taking our jobs,” that narrative trickles down.

Suddenly, an innocent traveler from Guadalajara or Beijing finds themselves being eyed suspiciously in a coffee shop or pulled aside for extra screening at the airport.

And this isn’t paranoia. The FBI’s hate crime statistics show an increase in race-based attacks in the U.S. over the past few years.

This means that for travelers of color, particularly Latinos and Black visitors, there’s an extra layer of caution required when visiting certain states or cities.

3. Unequal Treatment by Law Enforcement

Anyone who has traveled extensively in the U.S. knows that law enforcement doesn’t treat everyone equally.

The reality is, Black and brown people face more police encounters, whether they are residents or tourists. From unjustified stops to wrongful arrests, the data doesn’t lie.

For international visitors, the risks are compounded. If you’re a Latino traveler who doesn’t speak fluent English, a routine traffic stop can quickly escalate.

If you’re a Black visitor from Nigeria or the Caribbean, you might face extra suspicion in airports or hotels. Even shopping can become a hassle, stores that profile Black customers might follow you around, assuming you’re there to steal.

I know this sounds harsh, but these are the stories I hear daily from travelers in my network. It’s not about discouraging anyone from visiting but about being prepared.

So, Is It Safe to Visit the U.S. Right Now?

The answer is complicated. You probably won’t notice any difference if you’re a white traveler from Europe.

But if you’re a person of color, especially from Mexico, Canada, or China, you might face more challenges than you would have a year ago.

That said, there are ways to navigate this new travel landscape.

Tips for Travelers of Color Visiting the U.S.

Know Your Rights at the Border – Border patrol agents have a lot of power, but they can’t detain you without cause. If you have a valid visa or passport, stand your ground if you feel you’re being unfairly questioned.
Avoid High-Risk Areas – Not every part of the U.S. welcomes foreigners. States with strict immigration policies—like Texas, Florida, and Arizona—might not be the best places to visit if you’re worried about racial profiling.
Be Cautious with Law Enforcement – If the police stop you, stay calm and know that you have the right to remain silent. If possible, keep a translation app on your phone if English isn’t your first language.
Use Ride-Sharing Instead of Driving – This might sound small, but using Uber or Lyft can help avoid unnecessary encounters with law enforcement, especially if you’re unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws.
Stick to Tourist-Friendly Cities – Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are more used to international visitors and are more diverse and welcoming.
Lean on Your Embassy – If you’re in a difficult situation, don’t hesitate to contact your country’s embassy in the U.S. They can provide legal assistance and help if you feel unfairly detained.

Conclusion: The Reality of Visiting the U.S.

I know firsthand that traveling as a Black woman in the U.S. is a different experience than traveling as someone who doesn’t have to think twice about their race.

I’ve had beautiful encounters—strangers who went out of their way to help, people who smiled and struck up conversations, moments where I felt seen, valued, and completely at ease.

But I’ve also had the opposite experience. I’ve been in spaces where I felt out of place, got the side-eye, or had to remind myself to tread carefully.

There’s no sugarcoating it: racism exists in America. And it doesn’t just live in history books or in stories passed down from our elders—it’s woven into everyday life.

It shows up in subtle microaggressions, in the way security watches you in certain stores, in the questions about “where you’re from” even when you were born here.

It also shows up in outright hostility, in people emboldened to say or do things that remind them that you don’t belong to them. And let’s be real, depending on where you are in the country, those experiences can feel magnified.

That being said, I’m not here to tell you to avoid the U.S. altogether.

While systemic racism is real, so are the people who resist it, the communities that welcome you with open arms, the everyday Americans who reject hate, and the vibrant, diverse cultures that thrive despite it all.

Cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. have deep Black and immigrant communities where you’ll feel at home.

In smaller towns or areas with a more conservative lean, the experience might feel different.

Can I promise that you won’t experience racism? No. Can I promise you won’t witness ignorance or discomfort in certain spaces?

No. But that’s the reality for us no matter where we go in the world. I can say that most people are just living their lives, trying to make it through the day like everyone else.

Not everyone is racist. Not every place is unsafe. And despite the issues, there are countless reasons why visiting the U.S. can still be a rewarding experience—if you know where to go and how to move wisely.

Would I tell a Black traveler to be cautious? Yes. But would I also tell them that they can find joy, connection, and community here?

Absolutely. The U.S. is complicated, but it isn’t monolithic. And as always, the key is knowing where to go, how to stay safe, and how to own your space wherever you are.

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