1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's hardline immigration policies and detention of foreign tourists are deeply concerning and detrimental to the United States' reputation and relationships abroad. These actions are discouraging international travel to the U.S., with some travel agents now openly advising clients against visiting due to fears over their safety and potential mistreatment. This crackdown threatens the nation's multi-billion dollar tourism industry and could have severe economic consequences. The detention of travelers like Canadian Jasmine Mooney for over a week, as well as other reports of intensified scrutiny at the border, send a chilling message that even close allies are not immune from this aggressive enforcement. Issuing travel warnings, nations like the UK and Germany have highlighted the risk that visa-waiver programs no longer guarantee smooth entry. As other countries potentially retaliate with similar restrictions on Americans, the U.S. cuts itself off from the world. This hostile environment brands the U.S. as an insular, unwelcoming place and jeopardizes its standing as a global leader open to international exchange and cooperation. Pursuing these divisive policies prioritizes xenophobic rhetoric over economic pragmatism. They must be reversed to preserve the U.S.' image as a free and stable democracy that welcomes visitors. Protecting tourism and open travel is vital for facilitating cultural understanding between nations.