Alice Fraser, an Australian comedian known for her satirical takes on political figures, has decided to cancel her upcoming trip to the United States.
This decision follows legal advice suggesting that her previous comedic remarks about President Donald Trump's administration could potentially lead to complications at the U.S. border.
Fraser, who has graced platforms such as Australia's ABC and the BBC, had planned to travel to New York in May to promote her latest literary work, "A Passion for Passion: A Delirious Love Letter to Romance." As reported by The Guardian, she intended to apply for an O-1B visa, a document that allows individuals with "extraordinary ability" in the arts to live and work in the U.S.
According to Breitbart, Fraser consulted an immigration lawyer, initially dismissing her concerns as paranoia. However, she was left "upset and disappointed" upon learning that her fears might not be unfounded. "I asked [the lawyer] what I thought was a ridiculous question that I do political satire and have a fair few jokes floating around on Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and whether that would be a risk," she shared with The Guardian.
The lawyer's response indicated that increased scrutiny at the border could indeed pose a risk, especially given her public commentary. "If I didnt have two children, I might be more open to taking a risk, but the vision of me being there with a baby strapped to me and held up and hassled, or worse Im not up for that," Fraser explained.
Fraser's history of critiquing President Trump is well-documented, with her contributions to political podcasts and radio shows often reflecting her critical stance. In a 2020 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, she remarked, "I wouldnt take an IOU from Trump if he wrote it on the money he owed me."
Despite her decision to forgo the trip, Fraser remains open to visiting the U.S. in the future, contingent upon a shift in the perception of her jokes about Trump and Elon Musk. Until then, she intends to focus her comedic efforts on Australian audiences, steering clear of any potential international controversies.
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