Performer Bad Bunny forgoes U.S. tour; could other artists decide to abandon touring states as well?
In a significant development, foreign entertainers visiting the U.S. are facing additional hurdles in securing visas, causing concerns and cancellations of tour dates. This issue has been highlighted by the cases of several artists, including the popular Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and the Korean boy band Be:Max, who were forced to cancel U.S. tour dates due to visa cancellations.
The visa application process for O and P category visas, which foreign entertainers require, is estimated to take 7 months according to the U.S. government's website. However, immigration lawyers advise that the process may take even longer. This creates significant financial and logistical hurdles for performers who tour internationally, as visa application fees can cost upwards of $8,000 per person, including legal fees.
Bad Bunny, a U.S. citizen, has chosen not to do any concert dates in the 50 states during his current world tour due to fears of ICE. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided further details or evidence about assault claims against ICE officers. Assistant DHS secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Bad Bunny is either seriously misinformed about ICE operations or using law enforcement as an excuse because he won't be able to sell tickets in the United States.
The fears among performers extend beyond visa issues. There is a lot of uncertainty and hesitance among performers, event presenters, booking agents, and lawyers due to fears of retaliation. The fears include retaliation from those who hold decision-making power over visa approvals or from those who hold financial sway.
In July, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defined violence against ICE officers as including doxxing agents and videotaping officers. However, ICE is not raiding concert venues, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Authorities in the artists’ home countries typically provide support and documentation to facilitate the visa application process for foreign artists seeking to perform concerts in the USA, assisting with visa and travel permit applications to help ensure successful entry.
Bad Bunny's concerts in Puerto Rico brought hundreds of millions of tourism dollars to the island. In response, he is performing a 30-show residency in Puerto Rico. The State Department upholds the highest standards of national security and public safety through its visa process, ensuring that only those who meet the criteria are granted entry into the U.S.
It is not mentioned if other performers are expressing similar concerns, but there is a noticeable trend of hesitance and uncertainty among the international entertainment industry. The TwoSet Violin duo postponed U.S. dates due to visa rejection, adding to the list of artists affected by these challenges. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these issues will impact the future of international touring in the U.S.
