# Post-Midterm Relief: A Shift in US Travel Anxiety

The author reflects on changing perceptions of US border security after recent election results.

- **Source:** [The New European](https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk)
- **Published:** 2026-11-11
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/marie-le-conte-after-the-midterms-i-dont-need-to-travel-to-the-us-in-panic-mode-anymore/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fcb601e3-02b1-4232-af82-1b0367da9271

## Border Crossing Anxiety

For years, the author deleted their social media accounts before entering the United States. This precautionary measure stemmed from fears regarding border security and potential scrutiny by immigration authorities. The practice felt embarrassing and irrational, yet it persisted as a way to avoid being held or deported by ICE during visits.

## Hostility and Personal Impact

The author describes a long-standing emotional connection to New York City, which felt compromised by the perceived hostility of the US government. This sense of alienation turned routine travel into a source of dread. The feeling that the country had become cold and unwelcoming cast a shadow over previously cherished personal experiences.

## Midterm Election Atmosphere

Visiting New York during the recent midterm elections provided a surreal perspective on the American political landscape. Friends and locals appeared dazed and overwhelmed by the unfolding results. This period marked a transition from the intense, fearful atmosphere of previous years toward a new, albeit complex, sense of political reality.

## Lessons in Political Resilience

The election outcomes highlighted the importance of persistence in political movements. Figures like Beto O'Rourke and Stacey Abrams demonstrated that past failures often serve as essential steps toward eventual success. These efforts, alongside the dedication of voters in states like Mississippi, proved that consistent engagement can lead to significant, unexpected changes.

## Challenging Financial Dominance

The victory of governor-elect Gina Hinojosa serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the influence of campaign spending. Despite being outspent ten to one by her opponent, Hinojosa secured a win through relentless effort and voter trust. This result reinforces the idea that financial resources are not the sole determinant of political success.

## Reflecting on Political Despair

The author admits that their previous conviction regarding the irreversible decline of the United States was morally flawed. By assuming the country was beyond recovery, they had implicitly abandoned the activists and citizens working to improve it. This realization prompts a necessary apology to those who remained committed to democratic progress.

## A Shift in Perspective

The recent election results have fundamentally altered the author's outlook on the American political sphere. The success of a coalition of idealistic and hardworking individuals suggests that positive change is possible even under dire circumstances. This shift encourages a move away from doom and gloom toward a more hopeful, engaged perspective.

## Future Travel Plans

Looking ahead to a planned trip to New York in the spring, the author feels a renewed sense of confidence. They intend to travel without the previous anxiety, keeping their social media presence intact. This change symbolizes a broader reconciliation with the country's trajectory and a belief in its ongoing democratic resilience.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/marie-le-conte-after-the-midterms-i-dont-need-to-travel-to-the-us-in-panic-mode-anymore/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._