Hi guys. So I've been trying to plan a trip to visit a friend in New York for almost a year now, but I've been putting it off while I watch the political situation in the US unfold. Every day it seems like I hear something new and scary that makes me delay my plans. I've had friends and family travel there and back in the last few months without issue, but I still hear about people being forced to go back home after landing. They're apparently checking phones when you arrive- and I don't mind that, bc I don't have anything on my phone that I'm worried about them finding, but who knows what they'll decide is a problem? I don't post anything political online, I'm white (I do acknowledge the privilege that gives me) and I'm Australian, so I don't THINK I'm in danger, but I still can't be entirely sure. I also don't know how comfortable I feel giving a country my tourism when it's... like that.
So, travellers and Americans, please give me your honest opinions about whether its worth attempting the trip? My plans were for November for a few weeks, and that time is getting closer, so I'm going to have to decide very quickly whether I'm going to book the flights.
Thanks!

Yes, it’s generally safe to travel to the U.S. right now. Like any country, some areas may have specific concerns (weather, protests, etc.), so it’s always good to stay updated with local news and advisories. But for most travelers, especially in popular tourist spots, normal precautions are enough.

Yes, with the new administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants, more and more visitors are being denied entry. It's rare but still could happen to you. I found this posted by a law firm Spar & Bernstein:

Increased scrutiny by U.S. Customs and Border Protection has caught many off guard. Even those arriving under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA approval have been held for hours and then denied entry. Reasons include:

• Vague or inconsistent answers during questioning
• Frequent visits without clear purpose, which can raise suspicion of unauthorized work
• No return ticket or proof of accommodation
• Digital evidence like texts, emails, or social media that contradict travel intent

As reported by The Mirror, even tourists with no criminal records or prior issues have found themselves sent home.

Even small missteps can lead to denial, so:

• Don’t lie or exaggerate your plans
• Bring printed proof of your return flight and accommodations
• Avoid deleting content from your phone, as it may raise further suspicion
• Be consistent with prior travel records, and know that the CBP can see your history

Assuming no criminal record and no interesting past with US immigration, I’d go ahead and visit New York (when it’s cooler) with these things in mind:

Have definitive plans (like addresses of lodging), have a return ticket, proof of funds, and a job or property to return to at home.

Who gets into secondary examination are young single people away from home already for months without definite plans about what they plan to do in the US and without a job or house at home.

I have to say I read foreign news and even well respected outlets exaggerate situations and leave out critical stuff. There was some European who was incarcerated in Washington State on immigration issues for days and it was portrayed as arbitrary but digging into it she attempted to enter Canada by land and was refused entry there, but when returned to the US she could not be admitted under the visa waiver program because people just refused entry to another country are not eligible. Also today’s article in The Guardian about Ellen DeGeneres (who has emigrated to the UK) saying she needs to remarry in the UK since the US Supreme Court may nullify her California same-sex marriage is hogwash, they have no authority to overturn a state authorized marriage. Just so you realize how prejudiced some media is.

I also don't know how comfortable I feel giving a country my tourism when it's... like that.

While I believe it would be "safe" for who you are and what you want to do, only you can decide about that sentence above.

Agree with Suze.

As long as your papers ( visa, etc) are in order, you have nothing to worry about.
We are generally a friendly bunch...come and enjoy!!!!

I trust you've consulted the Australian government advice?
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/des...states-america

I sure have not seen daily reports of innocent Australian tourists getting turned away for no reason. The only news I've seen was visa violations (people who live in US with visas and then commit some crimes and can't get back in, some German guy "only" had some DUIs etc where you can kill people)), people lying and claiming they were coming as a tourist but were really coming to work without a work visa (some German tourist in CA was like that, even had tattoo instruments on them, and a few others) and then maybe people coming to/from questionable countries, and some cases of people without any proof of accommodations, return ticket, etc. Some Norwegian guy claimed he was turned away because he had a meme of Vance on his phone but as usual, you can't believe everything you read even if from foreigners. He didn't have any return ticket, no set plans, etc. The govt claimed he was rejected for drug use (the others might be enough), but he claimed he'd only tried marijuana a couple times. I find that hard to believe myself. In any case, I haven't read about just a regular tourist from Australia with proper documentation being turned away for no reason. There was some Australian journalist I think turned away but he was a published journalist who'd written articles they didn't like. Not exactly a typical tourist..

I doubt if they have time to check the phone of every single person coming into the US from abroad, but I suppose might if there were other reasons.

As for your feelings about the US govt and wanting to visit, I get that, and that's up to you.

I heard the US Government is now charging $250 for Visa Verification or something like that. I don't know who that applies to....

Since you are visiting a friend, you might as well visit. Who knows if anything will change in the near future.... or ever.

I don't think this new charge will necessarily apply. Here's a bit more info:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/trave...onal-travelers

Maybe a little research before posting warnings like that?? The fee is not applicable to the OP because visitors from OZ are not included in this.

Nope. Not going to do more research in case anyone else might want to know. And I am not sure you are entirely correct. Form the CNN article linked by kja, it does apply to visitors form OZ who stay for more than 90 days.

I think you should be fine. If you're staying with your friend, messages about your visit would be helpful to have if you are questioned. You should have your return flight home booked. If you are staying at a hotel, that documentation will be helpful, too. If asked, you should have an idea of what you plan to see and do and a means of paying for your plans, such as a credit card.
I hope you have a great trip!

I concur with what others have said: (1) normal travel precautions apply, and (2) with a return ticket and an actual trip to see a friend (or any person coming to see some sights) -- there should be no issues about visiting. [FWIW, people have come and overstayed travel/student visas, and there is increased scrutiny over that situation.]
I hope you come to visit your friend and have a great trip!

My father always told a funny story about a job interview he had (he knew the interviewers). They were asking all the candidates what their hobbies were. One candidate said 'reading magazines.' He was asked which ones and could not name a single one. (He was not selected for a position). So if a person coming to the US says they are there for some sightseeing -- it is only logical to assume the visitor should be able to name 1 or 2 things they plan to see.

One more thing . . .

Others (not from Oz) might be reading this thread . . . so it seems pertinent.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and advice. I've decided to push the trip back to next year, so I have more time to prepare.

Thanks for letting us know!
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