Musicians Coming, Going Are Facing New Music With Visas

Musicians—the heart and soul of American entertainment—are being forced to cancel concerts and are facing the threat of deportation.

Yes, as with much of what is going on, even when they are completely legal, the Trump administration is going after them. Shall we point out the situations we are aware of?

Let's start with Julion Alvarez, from Mexico, who had a large, sold-out concert in Arlington Stadium in Dallas (where the Cowboys play) set for May 24.  But no -- ICE would have none of it: Just the day before the concert was to take place, Alvarez was notified his work visa was being revoked. Since his work is singing, sans the visa, he would be working in violation of the law. 

Then, how about Yamil Said, drummer for the band Lord Buffalo? As the band went to board a flight to Europe, Said was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for alleged violation of a restraining order. He continues to be held in jail in Tarrant County, Texas.

Next up, Bells Larsen. Though we might not agree with transgender identity, should that be used to discriminate against him?  When restrictions on gender markers were placed on applications to come to enter the U.S., the complications prompted Larsen to cancel his U.S. tour. New policies require gender markers to match the sex of the person at birth.

Trupa, Trupa, a Polish post-punk band, is reconsidering a U.S. tour due to processing delays, increased costs, and the risk of being detained while here.

Then, the case of Knitting, a Montreal-based band. Knitting faced obstacles in scheduling a U.S. tour. Processing times have increased, with some applications now taking up to eight months. And the cost? Visa fees for international musicians increased from $460 to $1,615 per application.

British singer FKA Twigs canceled a U.S. tour due to visa complications.

Shred Kelly, a Canadian band, canceled its U.S. tour due to rising costs and uncertainty. Reports of international travelers being detained despite have proper documentation dissuaded the group. Members of the band became fearful they could be separated or held up at the border, disrupting their tour schedule.

The Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco had its visas revoked after performing music dedicated to a drug cartel leader. The U.S. State Department cited concerns over glorifying criminal figures. While it is disconcerting that the band glorified a cartel leader, one wonders if the American principle of free speech should not be upheld, allowing them to perform in the U.S. just the same.

Whether it is the threat of being deported, or just the obstacles now in place discouraging visiting musicians, Donald Trump's immigration policies are impacting musicians going out of the U.S. and coming into the country from performing.