Here’s what happened.
By tightening America’s borders, President Trump is keeping our nation safer — but not everyone is cheering.
Since President Donald Trump resumed office, his strong border enforcement policies are drawing both praise and criticism. While millions of Americans support the return to strict immigration control, travel experts now warn of a steep drop in international tourism — potentially costing the U.S. billions.
Sharp Decline in Travel Bookings to the U.S.
According to Bloomberg, airline bookings from Canada to the U.S. are down a staggering 70% year-over-year. European travel bookings are also slipping, with a 25% decline projected for this summer.
The potential impact on the U.S. travel economy? Nearly $9 billion in lost revenue. That could spell serious trouble for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and retail businesses in major tourist hubs like New York, Orlando, and Las Vegas.
A Long Road to Recovery for the Travel Industry
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, told Bloomberg that international travel to the United States might not fully recover until 2029. That’s nearly a decade of disruption, beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic and now influenced by evolving border policies.
Compared to 2024, tourism from Canada alone is expected to drop by 20%. Overall international visits may fall by nearly 10%. While critics are sounding the alarm, others say this is a necessary correction — prioritizing national sovereignty, law enforcement, and American jobs.
Canada and Europe: Cooling Off on U.S. Travel
What’s driving the decline? Some analysts point to strong rhetoric from President Trump, including a light-hearted remark that Canada should become America’s 51st state — a comment that sparked media outrage north of the border.
In addition, Trump’s trade and tariff policies may be discouraging European and Canadian tourists, who could find cheaper alternatives in Asia or South America.
A February survey by Leger found that 48% of Canadian travelers say they’re less likely to visit the U.S. in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Still, supporters of the president’s policies see this as a temporary trade-off that ensures long-term stability and national security.
More Scrutiny, Fewer Illegal Crossings
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms that illegal crossings have dropped significantly thanks to enhanced security measures. Officers now have more bandwidth to thoroughly vet travelers and enforce entry rules.
“Visitors who follow the law have no reason for concern,” said Hilton Beckham, assistant commissioner for public affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “But anyone thinking of entering the country under false pretenses or with harmful intent should think twice — it won’t work.”
America First Means Putting Our Safety First
For many Americans, especially older voters who remember a time when immigration laws were actually enforced, the message is clear: you can’t put a price on safety. The drop in foreign tourism may hurt short-term profits, but it’s a cost some are more than willing to accept in exchange for secure borders and a strong America.
