By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s return to office, Australian academics are increasingly cancelling US trips due to concerns about border control policies. These concerns stem from reports of increased scrutiny of travelers, including those with disabilities or from marginalized communities, leading to denials of entry or detention. The Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) responded by making its conference hybrid to mitigate these risks. Consequently, significant disruptions to research collaborations and funding are occurring, impacting the global academic community.
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Australian academics are increasingly refusing to attend US conferences, driven by a pervasive fear of detention upon arrival or re-entry. The anecdotal evidence is compelling: stories abound of individuals, even those holding valid visas, being detained for seemingly arbitrary reasons, leading to a chilling effect on international academic collaboration.
This reluctance isn’t merely based on speculation; recent incidents involving individuals detained for expressing political opinions—even seemingly innocuous ones—at border crossings underscore the very real risks. The fear isn’t limited to those with outspoken political views; the unpredictable nature of border control procedures creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and apprehension. Even seemingly trivial social media posts, or articles written years prior, could trigger unwanted attention and lead to lengthy detentions, making travel to the US a significant gamble.
The impact extends beyond individual researchers. Entire research groups are now reconsidering travel to the US for conferences, opting instead for alternative locations in countries perceived as having more predictable and less politically charged border procedures. The effect on collaborative research projects is palpable, with the potential for significant disruption and delays. Major academic conferences scheduled in the US are already facing significantly reduced attendance from non-US participants, a trend that could have lasting consequences for the advancement of knowledge across various disciplines.
The economic consequences are equally concerning. The US’s reputation as a leading destination for international conferences and academic gatherings is eroding. The risk of detention acts as a powerful deterrent, dissuading both scholars and associated professionals from attending events held within the US. This decline in attendance directly impacts the economic benefits that these events bring to the hosting cities and the US as a whole, in the form of tourism, hospitality, and spending on related services. The loss of revenue is compounded by the growing shift in preference for international conferences and collaboration to take place outside US borders.
The situation is further complicated by concerns regarding the application of existing laws and regulations. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process at the border adds to the sense of unease. The arbitrary nature of these detentions leaves many wondering if there is any reliable way to predict or mitigate the risk, leading to a widespread perception of unpredictability and a sense of vulnerability. This unpredictability impacts even US citizens who work overseas, instilling a fear of returning to their own country after a period abroad for fear of detention. This fear extends even to those travelling with partners or family members who may also face scrutiny and arbitrary denial of entry.
The shift away from US-based conferences presents both challenges and opportunities. For those who choose not to attend events in the US, the challenge lies in finding suitable alternative venues that can accommodate the logistical needs of large international events. The emergence of alternative locations, however, represents an opportunity for other countries to establish themselves as hubs for international collaboration, attracting researchers, conferences, and associated economic activities.
In essence, the fear of detention is not just a matter of personal inconvenience for individual academics. It represents a broader systematic issue that impacts international scientific collaboration, the reputation of the US academic landscape, and the national economy. The long-term effects of this trend remain uncertain, but it’s clear that the current situation is unsustainable and requires a significant shift in approach to resolve. The prevailing anxiety surrounding international travel to the US suggests a need for substantial changes in border procedures, improved transparency, and a reassessment of policies that impact international collaboration. The current climate of fear casts a long shadow over academic cooperation, threatening the very fabric of intellectual exchange.