Summary

Welsh tourist Becky Burke was detained for 19 days in a US immigration facility and transported in chains like “Hannibal Lecter” after alleged visa violations.

Burke had been backpacking and staying with host families in exchange for help around the house, which authorities suspected breached her tourist visa conditions.

Deported on March 18, she described the ordeal as traumatizing. Her parents criticized the harsh treatment and are considering addressing the issue politically.

    • @[email protected]
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      51 month ago

      This is a better article but basically she was ‘working’ in the US by exchanging help around the house for a place to stay. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80y3yx1jdyo

      Apparently the Canadians were concerned she’d work while in Canada? This kind of housework for accommodation is super common in the backpacking, hostel, hitchhiking kind of space. It’s ridiculous to treat tourists like this because of simply doing a little house work.

      Another example with hikers going along the AT or PCT will frequently do housework like activities to payback hostels or shuttle drivers.

      • @[email protected]
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        330 days ago

        I guess the lesson learned is just always flat out say recreation. Not working at all. She was too honest

        • @[email protected]
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          230 days ago

          Some people enjoy housework.

          Just explain that you indulge in some hobbies during your downtime while on vacation.

          I like to read when I get back to the hotel on vacation. Others might like to do some light carpentry or landscaping.

      • Optional
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        230 days ago

        Oh sure, it’s all wink-wink-nod when it’s a white person, but soon enough you know who’ll be “backpacking” around? Brown people!. that’s right.

        I’m sorry to scare you so, but this is very important in today’s fascist putsching.