French scientist denied entry into the U.S., French government says

Academic freedom & scientific collaboration

• Several commenters say denying entry over online political views would damage US scientific collaboration and conferences, and pushes events toward countries seen as more welcoming.
• Some argue that unless there are explicit threats or calls for violent overthrow, exclusion is “un-American” and incompatible with the US free‑speech narrative.

What counts as “advocating overthrow” or terrorism

• People debate the line between harsh criticism and advocating overthrow: impeachment calls, structural critiques of US democracy, or statements like “stand back and stand by.”
• Another thread argues over whether acts like vandalizing Teslas to make a political point fit the FBI’s terrorism definition; some say yes (violent acts for ideological goals), others say that’s an overbroad and dangerous reading.

Immigration, detention, and for‑profit prisons

• Multiple stories describe highly arbitrary, sometimes traumatic treatment at US borders, especially land crossings, including weeks‑long detention in private prisons instead of simple turn‑backs.
• Critics see profit incentives and political theater (quotas, “toughness” signaling to a political base) behind increased detention.
• Others insist every country may deny entry for almost any reason, and that enforcing immigration law—including detention—is normal.

Safety of visiting the US

• Prospective visitors ask whether it’s safe to come, especially from South America.
• Some say statistically it’s still likely fine, especially by air with a “normal” tourist profile, but that risk and profiling have clearly increased; several advise choosing another destination for now.
• Tattoos and appearance are discussed as possible profiling triggers, with references to people being misidentified as gang‑affiliated.

Comparisons with Canada, UK, and others

• Commenters note that the UK and Canada also strictly enforce entry rules, including denying entry for DUIs, wrong visas, or suspicion.
• Others respond that short overnight holds and next‑day deportations differ materially from weeks in US for‑profit detention.

Free speech vs sovereign border control

• One side emphasizes absolute sovereign discretion: non‑citizens have no right to enter.
• The opposing view stresses hypocrisy: a country that brands itself as a free‑speech beacon should not quietly punish foreign critics at the border.

Unclear facts and broader trend

• Some note that details about the scientist, his statements, and any alleged “terrorism” links are missing; involvement of agencies like the FBI is taken by some as evidence there’s “more to the story.”
• Others cite a recent student visa revocation over Gaza‑related speech as part of a worrying trend toward using immigration status to police political opinions, even after visas are granted.