TANTV Editorial Board
United States of America – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Travel Advisory Levels
WASHINGTON D.C. — Do not travel to the United States due to gun violence, police brutality, racism against BIPOC and immigrants, violent protests, the Black maternal health crisis, health care discrimination against minorities, and more.
In light of recent happenings in America, TANTV an American news agency focused on diaspora, foreign-born citizens, immigrants, and multicultural audiences has issued a travel warning on July 25th, 2024, to people of the African diaspora and BIPOC and international visitors of multicultural backgrounds who aim to visit the U.S.
Although warnings like this are left for the Department of State to order especially for their citizens in other countries they deem unsafe, we have reached out to the State Department to understand how they plan to safeguard internationals and people of the African diaspora coming into the country who are not aware of the crisis happening in America.
The US State Department does not advise foreign nationals to travel to the United States. One would need to obtain that information from their respective foreign governments. TANTV has taken it upon ourselves to give our readers the information regarding the safety of the U.S. to those of the African diaspora and Black multicultural people.
In light of the current police killing of Sonya Massey, TANTV issues a travel advisory warning for individuals of the African diaspora and BIPOC not to travel to the United States. The tragic murder of Sonya Massey has exposed, once again, that the United States is not a safe place for Black individuals to live, as they are in constant threat of their lives being taken away by government-funded law enforcement.
Country Summary
Gun violence is prevalent in the United States, especially among Black individuals and immigrants. Many Black people and immigrants in the United States get caught up in crime due to societal structures that make it difficult to make enough money. This leads to gang and drug violence that overwhelmingly affects Black communities, with Black people accounting for 60% of homicide victims killed by firearms.
Gun violence through police force overwhelmingly affects people of color, especially Black men. Immigrants with language barriers or those with mental health issues or disabilities should be wary of police, as it is common for people from those groups to be killed by police due to frustration.
In addition to one-on-one gun violence, the United States makes up 73% of the mass shootings that occur in developed countries. There are consistent mass shootings, especially in schools. Those with children should be extra wary because of this fact, children as young as 5 in the United States participate in lockdown drills because it is consistently likely that a shooter will enter the building. Even if you don’t have children, mass shootings are common in places like grocery stores, religious buildings, and large public gatherings like concerts. Many times, American law enforcement is not prepared to deal with mass shooters, leaving many to fend for themselves and hope for safety in attempts to escape.
Systemic racism is deeply rooted in American society, leading to regular discrimination and even violence in housing, employment, and interactions with law enforcement. Many Americans are also outwardly racist, and racist speech and actions have been more prevalent in recent years at least partly due to the inflammatory words of Former President Trump. A rise in white supremacy is also to note, with white supremacist mobs becoming more common in recent years. This is extremely dangerous for Black people because many of these people are anonymous and do not receive any consequences for their actions or beliefs.
Hate crimes against Black individuals and immigrants are on the rise, including physical threats, racial slurs, vandalism, and other forms of verbal harassment. Immigrants, particularly those without legal status, face the constant threat of detention and deportation, resulting in family separation and significant emotional and financial distress.
Access to quality healthcare is expensive and inconsistent, especially for marginalized communities. Black individuals and immigrants often expereince disparities in medical treatment and outcomes. Black maternal health, in particular, is in crisis, as Black women are twice as likely to die from childbirth complications in American hospitals. Many Black people face racism within the hospitals, and the American healthcare system has a long history of taking advantage of Black people and their bodies for experimentation. Mental health issues are often underdiagnosed and undertreated in marginalized communities as well.
Access to reproductive health care can be difficult in this country, depending on which state you reside in. This is important to plan for, especially if you are a woman. Barriers to reproductive health care create significant trouble for women, particularly those of color, to exercise their reproductive rights.
Civil unrest, particularly protests and demonstrations against injustice and police brutality, are common and can turn violent. Law enforcement responses to these protests have at times involved excessive use of force, exacerbating tensions, and causing further harm. Many governments abroad are unable to provide emergency services in the United States, leaving many immigrants without much help if they are detained or hospitalized on U.S. soil.
Many protests start because of a lack of action from the U.S. government system, which is often slow to enact legislative changes that the people need due to frequent deadlocks in Congress over party lines. This gridlock can delay crucial issues such as gun control, healthcare, and social justice.
Precautions for Black Individuals and Immigrants in the U.S.:
To stay safe, avoid high-risk areas known for gun violence and heavy police activity, but understand that law enforcement can abuse you anywhere. Familiarize yourself with local laws and do your best to have contact information for legal support organizations. Avoid American police at all costs, but if you are stopped, make sure to keep your hands visible and do not move unless they state for you to. However, even when following instructions, police have still shot and killed Black people. Stay informed by monitoring local news for updates on civil unrest, protests, and potential threats. If you can, bring medicine from your home country to avoid the high costs and untrustworthy healthcare systems. Advocate for yourself if you do end up in an American hospital, as they are known to treat Black patients, especially immigrants, unfairly.
Travel Precautions and Safety Measures
Black individuals and immigrants in the U.S. are advised to exercise caution and adopt the following safety measures due to heightened risk.
- Night Travel: Refrain from driving or walking between 10 PM and 5 AM, as police are more likely to pull people over during these times and, often, lead to the murder of Black individuals.
- Avoid Racist Encounters: Learn to identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations involving racist individuals. Be cautious of areas where you notice Confederate flags, “Blue Lives Matter” signs, or other symbols associated with racism.
- Sundown Towns: Be aware of sundown towns– areas known for being unsafe for Black individuals after dark. These are more common in rural areas, so research and avoid these towns, especially when traveling.
- Stay in Urban/Diverse Areas: Prefer to stay in inner-city areas over rural regions, as rural areas can be more prone to racism and racially motivated violence.
- See something, say something: If you are in a public place and notice suspicious behavior, such as someone dropping a backpack off or grabbing a large bag from their car, make sure to say something to a staff member or law enforcement. These are indicators of a mass shooting, so be aware of your surroundings and suspicious people around you.
The U.S. remains a high-risk area for Black individuals and immigrants due to systemic issues and ongoing violence. Exercise extreme caution and stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones.
