An Exciting Trip Takes a Dark Turn
Rebecca Burke had long been fascinated by the idea of traveling North America. With a backpack and itinerary in hand, she left home for what was to be a four-month journey. She began in New York, then traveled on to Portland, Oregon, where she entered a Workaway program, a cultural exchange program by which travelers assist with tasks in return for housing and meals.
Rebecca never thought that what she perceived as innocent volunteering might be construed as illegal labor according to U.S. visa regulations.
Stopped at the Border
Rebecca set out to see Canada after weeks of adventure. But everything went out of her control. Canadian officials refused her entry, informing her that she lacked proper documentation. When she attempted to re-enter America, immigration officers marked her stay as a visa violation.
What had seemed to be a mere miscommunication resulted in a stunning turn of events: she was being held as an “illegal alien” and was taken into custody at a detention center.
19 Days in Detention
Rebecca was left trapped in an immigration detention center for close to three weeks. She had to share a tiny cell with other detainees and survive on a meager diet of cold potatoes and rice. As a vegan, it was difficult for her to obtain enough nutrients.
Her UK-based family was distressed. They made contact with the British government, trying everything to bring her back home. Rebecca waited in uncertainty, not knowing what would be next.
Freedom at Last
Rebecca was finally set free after a wait of 19 long days and was permitted to re-enter the UK. She returned home, and her family gave her a hero’s welcome after being so distressed at her situation. The incident left an indelible scar.
Rebecca now warns other travelers to be extra careful when it comes to visa rules. Even unpaid work can be seen as a violation, leading to serious consequences.
A Lesson for Travelers
Rebecca’s experience is a harsh lesson on how seemingly minor errors become gigantic issues where visas and immigration laws are involved. For every traveler planning a trip, the lesson is evident: always read up on visa regulations, particularly when crossing boundaries or participating in exchange programs. A dream trip should never end up as a nightmare.
