Travel Decisions: Southeast Asians on US Gun Violence and Trump

When it comes to visiting the United States, Southeast Asians have a lot to consider. A recent survey of over 6,000 travelers from six countries revealed that gun prevalence plays a big role in their decisions. Hawaii was voted the safest state while Texas came out as the least safe regarding gun violence. However, despite these worries, more than half of those surveyed still plan to visit the US within the next few years. The study also found that nearly 80% said attending mass gatherings would be influenced by the number of guns in the country. This isn't surprising given the recent assassination attempts on former President Trump. What's more, the survey was conducted just after these incidents, making gun violence a fresh concern. People from Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines showed the most interest in visiting the US, despite their concerns about guns. On the other hand, only 24% of Singaporeans said they are likely to visit soon. Interestingly, more than two-thirds of all respondents disagree with gun ownership in the US, with that figure rising to a whopping 91% in Singapore. But it's not just about guns. The outcome of the upcoming US presidential election also matters to these travelers. Over a quarter said they might change their plans based on who wins. And let's not forget the issue of "migrant crime" - a term popularized by Trump. Although data doesn't back this up, it still influences some Southeast Asians' decisions about visiting the US. Safety isn't just about guns or politics. Many travelers also expressed concerns about experiencing race-based violence. Nearly three out of four said they were worried about being victims of physical violence based on their race. With all these factors at play, it's clear that Southeast Asians have a lot to think about when deciding whether to visit the United States.