Uncle Sam scaring off visitors could boomerang on America

A country that few want to visit cannot be the centre of the world

- MIHIR SHARMA

In the years after 9/11, going to the US was scary for many of us. Border security became harsh and unforgiving, and we could feel our rights drop away as we entered American airspace. Novels were written and movies were made about how an encounter with hostile and suspicious border officials could radicalize even those who previously loved America.

Today feels worse. During George W. Bush's administration, we could tell ourselves that the country was confused, suffering and lashing out. In Trump's America, it would seem to outsiders that cruelty towards foreigners is the point of politics, not a by-product of trauma.

I can't stress enough how different that makes America feel, above all to those of us who hold it in affection and look forward to our trips there. A well-justified suspicion that the government hates us will naturally keep potential visitors away. Fear doesn't attract tourists. I'm no exception. I have frequent-flier miles saved up for a US trip this year. Like many others, I now believe that they will be better spent elsewhere.