Hi everyone! I’m an undergrad presenting at a conference this week, and I have to fly to the US from the Middle East. (I got a university grant to present my thesis, which I’m super excited for). However, I’m really concerned since my parents have warned me that I might not be allowed to enter the US and should be emotionally prepared for that happening (as even their EU passport holder friends have been turned back). I have my ESTA waiver (UK citizen) but I’m also Pakistani having lived in Pakistan most of my life. I’m not sure if my parents are being overly worried, or if I’m not worrying enough.
Are people travelling to the US for conferences, or are they exercising caution?
Comments
Your life and safety should be a no. 1 priority. There will be other opportunities in other countries.
The risk is non-negligble
I wouldn’t go.
Even among academics from Western Europe (which probably should be among the “safest” passports w.r.t. traveling to the US), there is currently a lot of doubt whether traveling to the US these days is the safe thing to do.
The slightest anomaly in your passport or other documentation, or activity on social media that some border agent doesn’t like, is apparently reason enough to be refused entry or to be held for several hours or even days. Several western countries have recently issued travel warnings, especially if you belong to targeted groups.
As an individual, it’s difficult to assess the real risk. But various stories in the media about what has happened to individuals at the US border don’t instill much confidence.
Although the risk might be (very) low, why take the chance?
The overall sentiment these days seems to be: “If you don’t need to be there, stay away.”
Request to have it by Zoom for your safety.
I won’t go and I’m Australian. Can you find out about presenting remotely?