Artists, advocacy groups, and immigration lawyers fear it could have disastrous consequences for local American music economies as well as for up-and-coming talent across the globe.
The cost per application was $460 for musicians from outside the US who wanted to perform domestically and who submitted their visa applications before April 1. And from $1,615 to $1,655 after that date.
Ensembles and bands are paid per performance. The cost of a typical four-piece rock band increased from $1,840 to about $6,460. Also, you can add $2,805 for expedited processing to each application if you are unable to wait a few months for clearance.
In addition to losses from a postponed tour and missing out on "significant, potentially career-changing opportunities," the money is not repaid if the application is rejected, according to Jen Jacobsen, executive director of The Artist Rights Alliance.
In the event that a musician plans to bring support personnel, a backup band, or other employees on tour, these individuals will also require visas.
In addition to losses from a postponed tour and missing out on "significant, potentially career-changing opportunities," the money is not repaid if the application is rejected, according to Jen Jacobsen, executive director of The Artist Rights Alliance.
In the event that a musician plans to bring support personnel, a backup band, or other employees on tour, these individuals will also require visas.
Immigration lawyer Gabriel Castro asserts that "you still can't get rid of U.S. bureaucracy, even if you're Capitol Records and you have all the money in the world to throw at it."
To play in the United States, all international musicians must have work authorization. There are not many exceptions: These are set aside for "showcases" under the Visa Waiver Program, such as those frequently held at South by Southwest, when foreign performers only appear in official showcases for publicity and without compensation.
To play in the United States, all international musicians must have work authorization. There are not many exceptions: These are set aside for "showcases" under the Visa Waiver Program, such as those frequently held at South by Southwest, when foreign performers only appear in official showcases for publicity and without compensation.
At the moment, there aren't many obstacles for American musicians who want to travel abroad in order to perform live and make money.
Castro claims that American performers are exempt from visa requirements and can enter most nations without one.
Castro claims that American performers are exempt from visa requirements and can enter most nations without one.
According to Castro, of BAL Sports and Entertainment Practice, which specializes in obtaining visas for athletes, singers, and performers, the American government is "putting more and more burden on the application process."
Twenty years ago, he claims, applications only had two or three pages. They are now 15 or 20 pages long.
He continues, "And those are just the forms before supporting evidence." "I'm now submitting 200- and 300-page documents just to justify why this band ought to be touring the entire country."
He claims that in order to save money, officials "might have done better to look at inefficiencies in the system."
He continues, "And those are just the forms before supporting evidence." "I'm now submitting 200- and 300-page documents just to justify why this band ought to be touring the entire country."
He claims that in order to save money, officials "might have done better to look at inefficiencies in the system."
SOURCE: hurriyetdailynews.com