An Australian comedian has canceled her upcoming trip to the U.S. due to concerns about being denied entry because of her past jokes about Donald Trump. Alice Fraser, known for her work on Australia’s ABC and the BBC, was set to travel to New York in May to promote her new book, "A Passion for Passion: A Delirious Love Letter to Romance."
Fraser had planned to apply for an O-1B visa, which allows artists with extraordinary abilities to work in the U.S. However, she sought legal advice after feeling uneasy about the potential consequences of her political satire. The immigration lawyer confirmed her fears, suggesting that Fraser’s jokes about Trump and Elon Musk could indeed pose a risk at the border.
Feeling upset and disappointed, Fraser shared her thoughts with The Guardian. She expressed concern that immigration officials might Google her name and discover her political commentary, which could lead to complications at the border. She mentioned that if she didn’t have young children, she might be willing to take the risk, but the thought of facing scrutiny while traveling with her kids made her hesitant.
Fraser has been vocal in her criticism of Trump, even stating in a 2020 interview, “I wouldn’t take an IOU from Trump if he wrote it on the money he owed me.” Now, she remains open to visiting the U.S. in the future, but only when her jokes about Trump and Musk are no longer seen as offensive.
For now, Fraser will focus on her performances in Australia, leaving her U.S. plans on hold.