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.
Why was she refused entry to Canada?
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.
I guess the lesson learned is just always flat out say recreation. Not working at all. She was too honest
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.
They did the same to an artist. Just say recreation if that’s your intent.
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.
Most countries are pretty strict with what you are and aren’t allowed to do while on a tourist visa. For example, tourists are generally not allowed to work or earn income while visiting, you need a work visa for that. Now I’m not 100% versed on how work is defined in this case, but they must have interpreted her chores-for-accommodation setup as work. Not excusing what they did to her, just providing context on the restrictions of tourist visas. I’m sure a lot of people have been doing this for a while, and the current immigration climate is likely why they’re just flagging it now.
How did they even know?
Border agents usually ask where you will be staying for the duration of your trip. They can also ask how you will be supporting yourself. She likely answered honestly and said she will be doing chores for host families in exchange for accommodation, which they probably interpreted as her working. Normally, a typical tourist will have hotel/airbnb reservations and border agents can ask to see those as proof.
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