From Foreign Eyes

From Foreign Eyes: The United States’ Rapid Transformation Into an Unrecognizable Landscape

Since returning to Taiwan on October 7, 2024, and spending a year here, I have repeatedly heard that people no longer want anything to do with visiting the United States, let alone moving there, as there are many other places in the world that are far more appealing.

I’ve had countless conversations with clients, students, friends, and acquaintances from Taiwan and around the world. 

One theme comes up repeatedly: Their fear is rooted in a wide range of serious issues that go far beyond simple perception. Based on what I’ve heard and observed, here’s a summary of the most common and urgent concerns.

First and foremost, gun violence in the U.S. is and always has been at crisis levels. Mass shootings happen frequently, in a way historically unmatched by any other country. The U.S. leads the world in civilian gun ownership, including easy access to assault-style weapons. 

Gun laws are fragmented and weak, varying widely by state with little consistent enforcement. This creates a chaotic environment where violence can erupt unpredictably. 

Cities like Los Angeles have declared states of emergency largely due to the authoritarian nature of aggressive, Gestapo-like ICE crackdowns. 

Many neighborhoods feel unsafe, and police forces are overwhelmed, inconsistent, or absent in critical areas.

Adding to the instability, armed civilian militias and vigilante groups have become more visible, further escalating tensions.

Alongside this is a growing sense of authoritarianism and erosion of civil liberties in general.

Laws have been passed that criminalize protests, suppress dissent, and restrict press freedoms. Surveillance of activists and minority communities has increased dramatically, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust. 

Constitutional rights, which are supposed to protect everyone equally, are increasingly ignored or selectively enforced, especially for racial minorities, immigrants, and political dissenters. 

This legal breakdown is deepened by ongoing police brutality and systemic racism. High-profile cases of police violence rarely result in accountability, and racial profiling remains widespread. 

Immigration enforcement disproportionately targets Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, feeding a cycle of discrimination and marginalization. Hate crimes continue to rise, with little effective response from the authorities.

LGBTQ+ communities face particularly harsh attacks, with many states passing bans on gender-affirming healthcare for both youth and adults. 

Restrictions on public expression, including bans on drag shows and pride events, have become common. These policies, combined with a surge in hate crimes, create a hostile and dangerous environment for the LGBTQ community. 

Many I’ve talked with here report family members and friends are living in fear simply for being themselves.

In other conversations I have people echo the education system is not spared either. Across many states, political censorship and book bans are reshaping public schools. Discussions about race, gender, and history are increasingly criminalized or heavily restricted, with teachers punished or even fired for addressing these topics honestly. 

At the same time, rising tuition costs, new education-related taxes, and public school defunding are making quality education less accessible to many.

Economically, the U.S. is often described as prohibitively expensive, especially for travelers and immigrants. The costs of travel, housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials are among the highest globally. 

Confusing tipping customs and hidden sales taxes (especially to many from Asian cultures) add to financial frustration. 

Despite being one of the wealthiest countries, extreme inequality is glaringly visible, with decaying public infrastructure and widespread poverty standing in stark contrast to affluent areas.

Healthcare remains a major concern, as the U.S. lacks universal coverage. Basic medical treatment can lead to devastating bills, forcing many into bankruptcy, while healthcare costs continue to rise.

Worker protections are weak, with minimal paid leave and poor work-life balance contributing to high stress and burnout. Social safety nets for vulnerable populations are inadequate or nonexistent.

Infrastructure problems further complicate daily life and travel. Outside major metropolitan areas, public transportation is unreliable or nonexistent, especially compared to those areas in more developed countries, making car ownership a necessity. 

Affordable lodging is scarce, and public spaces are often unsafe or poorly maintained, making travel both costly and isolating.

Health outcomes are also alarming. The prevalence of ultra-processed foods, often the cheapest and most available option, has contributed to one of the highest obesity rates in the world. 

This, combined with poverty and limited access to fresh, healthy food, has led to worsening public health, especially in marginalized communities, and especially since food prices continue to rise.

Finally, all these issues are compounded by the obvious extreme political division and social unrest.

Many have told me the U.S. is so deeply polarized now there are growing fears of even more civil conflict or even complete political fragmentation. Most say the government is moving toward authoritarianism, with illegal attacks on minorities, activists, and dissenters increasing. 

Hate groups and extremist movements continue to rise, adding to the instability.

For many people I’ve met here in Taiwan, the U.S. no longer feels safe, welcoming, or free, regardless of location.