London, Jun 16 (AP) The world is reassessing its view of the American dream. For centuries, the United States was seen as a beacon of opportunity and hospitality. However, President Donald Trump's initiative for mass deportations has sparked unrest in Los Angeles, on college campuses, and even in churches, leading to a global reconsideration of the allure and promise of America.
“The message from Washington now is that you are not welcome in the United States,” expressed Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals, a platform that monitors international student interest in studying abroad. They've observed a decline in student interest to its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic, with van Rest noting, "There are great opportunities elsewhere.”
The notion of immigration and America has often been romanticized, but in reality, there's a complex history where race and ethnicity play significant roles in the debate about who qualifies as an American. Despite this, the US continues to call to the "huddled masses" symbolized by the Statue of Liberty, drawing millions each year. This influx has propelled the US population beyond 340 million.
There are early indications across various sectors like tourism, trade, entertainment, and education that the allure of the American dream is waning for foreigners, traditionally captivated by it.
Polling conducted by Pew Research from January to April shows that perceptions of the US have deteriorated over the past year in 15 out of 24 surveyed countries.
President Trump and his supporters argue that undocumented migrants pose a threat to American safety, jobs, and culture. Yet, even those legally in the country are affected by his policies, making potential visitors more hesitant to travel to the US, even for tourism.
Trump's global tariff battles and his policies against international students with pro-Palestinian views have stuck in the minds of those who once aspired to be part of the nation celebrated for free speech and opportunity.
Duncan Greaves, 62, from Queensland, Australia, advised a Reddit user contemplating a trip to the US, remarking, “The chances of something truly horrific happening are almost certainly tiny. Basically, it's like the Dirty Harry quote: Do you feel lucky?”
American Creed, American Dilemma
Throughout much of its history, America has encouraged immigration as it sought intellectual and economic growth. Nonetheless, the US has always grappled with the definition of who qualifies to be American. Built on land seized from Native Americans and later populated by millions of enslaved Africans, the nation's past involves significant conflict over this issue. The American Civil War partly revolved around such matters. The federal Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese descent individuals during World War II mark moments of exclusion.
The US, however, remains a nation of immigrants, guided by the "American Creed" established by Thomas Jefferson, which embraces equality, hard work, and freedom as fundamental American values.
Even President Trump, whose grandfather Friedrich emigrated from Germany, is a testament to immigration's dual triumphs and challenges. After gaining US citizenship, Friedrich Trump tried returning to Germany but was expelled for not completing military duty, a tale captured in letters written to Bavarian authorities.
Trump has married two women of immigrant backgrounds: Ivana Zelnícková Trump from what is now the Czech Republic and current spouse Melania Knauss Trump of Slovenia.
Despite challenges and policy debates over immigration, people continue to move to America. This has long posed a challenge for Trump, who perceives a demographic shift as a problem.
Immigration propelled the US population to grow fastest in 23 years in 2024, surpassing 340 million residents. The US Census Bureau notes that almost 2.8 million new arrivals occurred last year, with 84% of a 3.3 million increase attributed to net international migration. Immigration accounted for population growth in 16 states, where it staved off declines, according to the Brookings Institution.
While some Americans perceive immigration as a boon for labor and innovation, Trump views it as an "invasion," an outlook he's pursued aggressively since returning to the White House. His policies have tested executive limits, facing opposition from federal judges over special powers used for deportation, visa cancellation, and deportee relocation.
Unlike his cautious first term, Trump no longer shies away from unpopular immigration stances, solidifying his strongest issue in public polls and displaying his influence over the Republican base, amidst shifting public sentiment.
The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research's June survey shows 46% of US adults support Trump's immigration policies, roughly 10 percentage points higher than his ratings on the economy and trade. The survey transpired at the start of Los Angeles protests and excluded questions on Trump's military deployment there.
Other Countries, like Denmark, Open Their Doors
The US maintains its status as an economic powerhouse, though more countries view China as the top global economy, per Pew's research. Whether Trump's policies will significantly deter international students and others feeling beleaguered remains uncertain.
Studyportals, based in the Netherlands, observed a 50% drop in pageviews for US academic programs from Jan 5 to the end of April. It warns that this trend might continue, with countries like the UK and Australia possibly reaping the benefits.
“International students and their families seek predictability and security when choosing a country for their future,” highlighted Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA. “Recent actions by the US government have understandably shaken their confidence in the United States.” (AP) SCY SCY
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