As someone that hasn't visited the U.S. yet, I think there are risks, but not as bad as to prevent me from visiting. I believe the likelihood of having a serio

As someone that hasn't visited the U.S. yet, I think there are risks, but not as bad as to prevent me from visiting. I believe the likelihood of having a serious run-in with the law in the U.S. as similar to having an accident when doing an "extreme" sport - you have to be aware of the possibility when doing it and accept them, but they're not so bad. The most likely scenario, from what people who visited experienced: you will be treated a bit roughly at customs/inmigration (fingerprints, questioning your motives) and then you'll be free to have a nice time. Do your homework and have your visa and papers and travel schedule and hotels in advance, and you'll be fine. It's still one of the least friendly countries to enter (and that's validated by people I know that have visited 100+ countries, I've visited 50+ myself), but I think it's worth it and I'll visit someday.