British Backpacker Detained in the US Under Immigration Crackdown
Rebecca Burke's 19-day detention highlights the impact of stringent border policies on travelers.
Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old graphic artist from Monmouthshire, Wales, was detained in a US immigration facility for 19 days after attempting to cross from Washington State into Canada.
Burke was seeking to stay with a host family as part of a cultural exchange program, which involved performing domestic chores in exchange for accommodation.
However, authorities informed her that she required a working visa rather than a tourist visa for this arrangement.
Prior to her detention, Burke had been traveling in the US, which included a stay with a host family in Portland, Oregon, and sightseeing in New York City after her arrival from the UK at the beginning of the year.
Upon being told to return to the US for proper documentation, Burke was handcuffed and transported to Tacoma Northwest Detention Facility.
She described her immediate reaction to her confinement, stating, "I heard the door lock, and I instantly threw up."
Inside the facility, Burke was housed in a dormitory with numerous other women, many of whom were asylum seekers.
She noted that there were several newcomers, similarly bewildered about their detainment and lack of information regarding their situations.
Concerned for her daughter's welfare, Burke's father, Paul Burke, reached out to the UK Foreign Office and subsequently turned to the media to raise awareness of her plight.
Within a week of publicizing her story, Burke was released from detention.
Burke reflected on her experience, acknowledging her privilege as a British tourist and expressing a desire for similar treatment for others facing the complexities of immigration enforcement.
She described a perception that border agents were under pressure to demonstrate their enforcement capabilities.
In light of her experience, both Burke and her father have issued cautions to potential travelers considering trips to the US, particularly those who may not be seeking a straightforward holiday.
Paul Burke specifically recommended that travelers clarify visa requirements with the US embassy before their trip.
Rebecca Burke added her concerns about the current climate surrounding border security in the US and encouraged potential visitors to reconsider their plans, citing risks and the ethical implications of supporting the country financially amid stringent immigration measures.
Burke was seeking to stay with a host family as part of a cultural exchange program, which involved performing domestic chores in exchange for accommodation.
However, authorities informed her that she required a working visa rather than a tourist visa for this arrangement.
Prior to her detention, Burke had been traveling in the US, which included a stay with a host family in Portland, Oregon, and sightseeing in New York City after her arrival from the UK at the beginning of the year.
Upon being told to return to the US for proper documentation, Burke was handcuffed and transported to Tacoma Northwest Detention Facility.
She described her immediate reaction to her confinement, stating, "I heard the door lock, and I instantly threw up."
Inside the facility, Burke was housed in a dormitory with numerous other women, many of whom were asylum seekers.
She noted that there were several newcomers, similarly bewildered about their detainment and lack of information regarding their situations.
Concerned for her daughter's welfare, Burke's father, Paul Burke, reached out to the UK Foreign Office and subsequently turned to the media to raise awareness of her plight.
Within a week of publicizing her story, Burke was released from detention.
Burke reflected on her experience, acknowledging her privilege as a British tourist and expressing a desire for similar treatment for others facing the complexities of immigration enforcement.
She described a perception that border agents were under pressure to demonstrate their enforcement capabilities.
In light of her experience, both Burke and her father have issued cautions to potential travelers considering trips to the US, particularly those who may not be seeking a straightforward holiday.
Paul Burke specifically recommended that travelers clarify visa requirements with the US embassy before their trip.
Rebecca Burke added her concerns about the current climate surrounding border security in the US and encouraged potential visitors to reconsider their plans, citing risks and the ethical implications of supporting the country financially amid stringent immigration measures.
