95bFM Academic suggests developing risk assessment when planning to visit the US
30 April 2025
Interview by Joel Armstrong, adapted by Sanat Singh
The University of Auckland’s Virginia Braun says New Zealanders should develop a risk assessment when planning to visit, or transit, in the US, due to the “chaotic randomness” of the Trump administration.
As the Trump administration steps up its immigration enforcement, here in Aotearoa, the government has started revising travel advice to the US, encouraging New Zealanders to “exercise increased caution”.
This comes as tourists from a variety of countries in the US have been detained, had their personal belongings searched through, and have been deported — despite having adequate legal tourist documentation.
Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland; who has decided not to travel through the US for work trips, Virginia Braun, told 95bFM’s The Wire that those planning to should develop a risk assessment before travelling.
“There's lots of people who are publishing advice online.”
“Some general advice is to make sure your social media or other kind of information that may be critical is removed from devices when you travel.”
She says academics who have been critical of the Trump administration, those who work around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), or transgender individuals, should proceed with additional caution.
These recent actions by the Trump administration around immigration enforcement have led to several other nations revising their travel advice to the US.
Braun says it would be sensible for Aotearoa to follow suit.
“I think one of the aspects of the Trump administration is its sort of chaotic randomness, and that feels like that is an important aspect for any kind of travel advisory to take into account.”
“I would like New Zealand to increase its travel advisory. I think that would be the responsible and kind of careful position to take.”
