Arizona Immigration Law Could Cost US World Cup

As reported in The Arizona Republic, the US bid to host the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup may be jeopardized by plans to include as one of the 18 venues the University of Phoenix Stadium if awarded the two World Cups.

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Arts Community Submit Comments to Immigration Services

On May 11, USCIS opened a public comment period, inviting feedback regarding a specific area of artist visa processing (the O-1 Visa) concerning the amount of time allowable between multiple engagements in a single visa approval period.  Here is a copy of the draft memo open for public comment.  Dance USA, in partnership with the National Performing Arts Visa Working Group, submitted comments to USCIS on May 24th.

Dance USA reports on questions by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas regarding problems with arts visa processing:

On Tuesday, May 11, the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration held an oversight hearing on USCIS. Senator Hatch (R-UT) questioned USCIS Director Mayorkas about O and P visas, the ARTS Act, the increase in Requests for More Evidence and denials of artist visas, and the inconsistent processing at the California Processing Center. Director Mayorkas responded that he is fully aware of the challenges that petitioners are experiencing and he is working to fix the problems. He stated that USCIS is beginning a broad review of the O and P visa processing system. Senator Hatch underscored that the problems surrounding artist visas are hurting the cultural affairs of our country and that his staff receives a lot of work from constituents on this issue. Other subcommittee members at the meeting included Sen. Feinstein (D-CA), Sen. Cornyn (R-TX), Sen. Sessions (R-AL), Sen. Franken (D-MN), and Sen. Leahy (D-VT).

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A Soccer World Cup Ticket is a Visa to South Africa

Addressing the joint committees on the state of readiness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said free event visas would be awarded to those with a valid FIFA World Cup ticket, while dedicated lanes would be set aside for those coming to the tournament, Bua news agency reported. For more

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Fila Launches in Guyana

Top local athletes, basketball star Akeem Kanhai, bodybuilder Sylvon Gardener and sprinter Alicia Fortune are the new faces of the popular Italian Sportswear Company FILA In Guyana.  The sportswear was launched Friday May 14th at Giftland OfficeMax the sole authorized distributor in Guyana.

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Jamaica Reggae Stars Denied Visas

The island nation is abuzz with reports that the U.S. has cancelled visas for a number of top entertainers. At least one major concert has been postponed, and some say it’s all about the extradition of a politically connected drug lord.

The apparent visa revocations are hitting the Jamaican music scene in Southern California and elsewhere in the U.S., according to music industry sources. Producers of the 13th Annual Seabreeze Festival, which has traditionally offered a lineup of reggae performers in Long Beach, recently said their decision to postpone the July 11 event owed in part to the “uncertainty of guaranteeing artist performance based on the current visa revocation issue surrounding Jamaican Dancehall Reggae artists.”

Reports making the rounds in Jamaica say that at least five top reggae entertainers have had their U.S. visas revoked in recent months. The Jamaica Star and various blogs have reported that Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Adonia, Ricky Trooper, and Movado have seen their permission to travel to the U.S. cancelled. Other reports say that two other well-known reggae artists — Eek-a-Mouse and Sizzla — have also had their visas revoked.

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Why Work with us?

Immigration Solutions provides US and global immigration services and solutions to the arts, entertainment and sports industries, amongst others.  Our staff is accustomed to dealing with celebrated personalities and brands and we have successfully obtained visas for actors, directors, athletes, coaches, sports broadcasters and other individuals of accomplishment and renown.

We understand the unique needs associated with working with celebrities and high profile personalities and we maintain distinct focus on building a bridge between the needs of our clients and their global business opportunities.

If you’d like to consult with us or become a client of our office, please contact us at info@immigrationsolution.net or call 562 612.3996.