In a recent episode of her podcast "The Ex Files," British-born CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour shared a startling revelation about her recent preparations for a trip to the United States.
Despite her status as a well-known media personality, Amanpour likened her travel preparations to those one might undertake when visiting North Korea. This comparison underscores the apprehension she felt about entering the U.S., a nation traditionally seen as a beacon of freedom and opportunity.
During a conversation with her ex-husband, Jamie Rubin, a former State Department official, Amanpour recounted a speech she delivered at Harvard Kennedy School.
She expressed her fear of being stopped by border security, stating, "I must say I was afraid. Im a foreigner. I dont have a green card. Im not an American citizen. Im fairly prominent, and I literally prepared to go to America as if I was going to North Korea." According to Fox News, Amanpour took the precaution of carrying a burner phone, leaving behind her personal mobile devices and iPad. Her concerns were fueled by stories of fellow British citizens facing lengthy detentions or being turned away at the border.
Despite her initial fears, Amanpour's experience at the U.S. border was unexpectedly positive. She noted that the immigration officer she encountered "could not have been nicer," leading her to breathe "a huge sigh of relief." However, she pondered the broader implications of her experience, asking, "Can you imagine if Im afraid, what do others think?"
Rubin, during the podcast, criticized President Donald Trump's immigration policies, particularly his efforts to restrict Harvard's acceptance of foreign students. He argued that these actions represent a broader assault on the nation's foundational principles.
"With Donald Trumps basically weaponization of the immigration and naturalization service to scrutinize people, to imagine that every single non-American is a threat to the United States, is a war on what our country has been since its founding," Rubin asserted.
The podcast episode was released just hours before the Trump administration unveiled an executive order aimed at blocking travel from nearly 20 countries deemed "very high-risk" due to terrorism concerns, high visa overstay rates, and other security issues.
This move reflects the administration's commitment to prioritizing national security, even as it draws criticism from those who view it as an overreach. Amanpour's experience and Rubin's commentary highlight the ongoing debate over immigration policy and its impact on America's global image.
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