Worried re us immigration and local friendliness

Question

So given recent events we are considering cancelling our planned trip to la, sf and vegas as we are really concerned with recent reports of us immigratin not being very nice or worse re uk folks ( we’ve been coming to the us for 20+ years ) and also a bit worried re hassle/

Abuse from people for being from the uk ( apparently we are a country filled with free loaders and immigrants..) are we worrying about nothing or are things actually getting pretty bad etc… it’ll be a shame but don’t want to risk having bad experiences when we are just coming for vacation etc…

Answer

It's completely understandable that you're feeling concerned about recent events, especially when considering a trip to the US. However, it's important to separate the general anxiety that may come from reading news reports with what you are likely to experience as visitors. Let's break this down.

Concerns about US Immigration:

While there have certainly been reports of less-than-friendly experiences at US immigration, especially at major airports, these situations tend to be isolated incidents rather than the norm. US immigration officers can sometimes be stern, but most visitors, including those from the UK, do not face any significant issues if they have the proper documentation and follow the standard procedures. The US immigration process, while it may sometimes seem intimidating, has not changed drastically in terms of how UK nationals are treated. It's always helpful to ensure your documents are in order, and be prepared for routine questioning regarding the purpose of your visit.

Ensure you have your ESTA (for those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program) or valid visa if required.
Be polite and straightforward when answering questions about your stay.
Keep any required documentation like hotel reservations, flight details, and travel insurance handy in case it’s requested.

Concerns about Local Friendliness:

As for the broader public attitudes toward British visitors, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are all incredibly diverse and international cities, with a long history of welcoming people from all over the world. In fact, many locals in these areas are accustomed to tourists from the UK, and most are quite friendly and eager to make sure you have a great time.

While it’s true that there can be occasional negative rhetoric or behavior from a small number of individuals, these attitudes do not reflect the overall sentiment you will likely encounter. The majority of people you meet will be welcoming, especially in hospitality-driven places like Las Vegas, where tourism is a massive part of the economy.

In places like Las Vegas, customer service and friendliness are key, as the city thrives on tourism.
If you do encounter any rudeness or unfriendly behavior, remember it's more about that individual and not a reflection of the community or city as a whole.

Are Things Getting Worse?

There are reports of heightened political and social tensions in certain parts of the world, but in major tourist areas like Las Vegas, things tend to remain relatively unaffected. The people you encounter are there to help ensure you have a good time. The situation you might have read about is not representative of the entire country or even the whole tourism industry. People from all over the world, including the UK, have continued to visit the US, and the overwhelming majority of their experiences are positive.

Is It Worth Cancelling?

Ultimately, whether to proceed with your trip is a personal decision, but there’s no reason to believe that your vacation will be ruined by negative experiences. If you're prepared for the usual immigration procedures, stay informed, and keep an open mind, you're likely to find that the US remains a wonderful place for tourists. As long as you're respectful and understanding, the odds are in your favor for a hassle-free and enjoyable trip!

In summary:

US immigration can feel intimidating, but it’s typically not an issue for well-prepared travelers.
While tensions can exist, US tourist destinations like Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are used to international visitors, including those from the UK, and are generally welcoming.
As long as you stay polite, follow the standard rules, and prepare your documentation, you should be fine.

So, if you're still excited about your trip and have made the effort to plan and research, it's probably worth going ahead with your visit!