UK backpacker warns travelers about visa requirements

The father of a British backpacker, Rebecca Burke, has spoken out after his daughter was detained in a US facility for nearly three weeks. Paul Burke is warning other travelers to be careful about visa rules to avoid similar trauma. Rebecca, 28, returned to the UK on Tuesday, where she was greeted by family and friends at the airport. She was taken onto the plane in chains, which her father compared to the character Hannibal Lecter from the movie Silence of the Lambs. He described her experience as "traumatic" and said it will impact their family deeply. Mr. Burke emphasized the need for travelers to verify visa requirements. He mentioned that Rebecca did extensive research and had previously entered the US without issues. However, she was detained after trying to re-enter the country from Canada because she lacked the proper working visa. Instead, she had been helping with domestic chores in exchange for accommodation. While in detention, Rebecca was kept in a dormitory and received poor meals. She managed to cope by engaging in art and received support from fellow inmates. Paul Burke highlighted how the experience affected his daughter, stating that it might take time to understand the full impact on her. Rebecca plans to create a graphic novel about her experiences during detention, using drawings to express her time there. Mr. Burke expressed gratitude for the support they received, noting that funds raised for her legal costs will be donated to charities in the US. A statement from the Northwest ICE Processing Centre said that anyone violating US immigration laws may face detention and removal, regardless of nationality.