Donald Trump sanctuary city proposal could derail Aussie travel to Los Angeles and San Francisco
Australian travellers heading to the US could face major disruptions under a Trump administration proposal targeting key American cities.
A Trump administration proposal targeting so-called “sanctuary cities” could throw Australian travel plans into disarray, potentially shutting off access to some of America’s busiest and most popular international gateways.
Under plans being developed by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, international flights could be blocked from landing in cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The proposal would directly affect major destinations including Los Angeles and San Francisco, two of the most common entry points for Australians travelling to the United States.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Why are we processing international flights into the airport there?” Mr Mullin told Fox News.
“We’re currently drawing up plans to say, listen, these sanctuary cities where the local radical-left Democrats aren’t allowing us to do our jobs and enforce federal laws, then we shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities either.
“Because they don’t want us to enforce immigration, but they want us to process immigration at their facilities.”
The proposal stems from the Trump administration’s crackdown on “sanctuary cities” - jurisdictions where local authorities limit cooperation with federal deportation efforts involving undocumented migrants.
For Australians, the consequences could be significant
Los Angeles and San Francisco are both classified as sanctuary cities and remain among the most popular gateways for Australian travellers entering the US. While Sydney-to-Dallas services would remain untouched, they add hours to travel times and are not available nationwide.
The flow-on effects could complicate family holidays and business travel alike. A trip to Disneyland, for example, could involve flying 16 hours from Sydney to Dallas before doubling back on a domestic flight to California, or alternatively routing through Hawaii.
The disruption would not stop there
Flights from Auckland into New York and Boston could also be impacted, while Canada may offer little relief if flights into affected US cities face similar restrictions.
The proposal has already sparked fierce criticism from economists and travel observers.
“Cutting off New York, LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and other major ports of entry/departure from international flights would be the biggest self-inflicted wound to our economy since closing the Strait of Hormuz,” US economist Patrick Chovanec said.
“The costs would be ridiculous.
“It’s really such an impressively stupid idea, I’m kind of in awe.”
Other sanctuary cities potentially affected include Seattle, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans and Philadelphia.
The proposal remains under development and no formal policy has yet been implemented.
