Featured Image Credit: FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Sport
Gerrard Kaonga
A US official has issued a statement after the country caused a stir by announcing a massive visa ban ahead of the World Cup.
The World Cup is one of the most anticipated sporting events, and for good reason.
Basically, every corner of the globe plays soccer and if nothing else, it is just brilliant to watch nations compete on the biggest stage in the world.
For many, going to watch any game at the FIFA World Cup is a dream come true, but a wrench was recently thrown in a number of fans’ plans.
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Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced that there was an indefinite immigrant visa suspension on a whopping 75 countries.
This comes only a few months ahead of the tournament being held across the US, Canada and Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security tweeted on January 14: "The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people."
The 75 countries include the likes of Brazil, Colombia, Ghana and Morocco - all of whom have qualified for the tournament.
This has caused much fear and confusion for those wishing to travel to the US to attend the games and soak up the atmosphere.
Luckily, the suspension will not apply to non-immigrant, temporary tourist, or business visas, though. However, some people have still been put off by the ban and admitted to feeling unwelcome in the country.
The US has now clarified its position on the matter.
Speaking to the Mirror, a US State Department official insisted that the visa ban won’t impact those trying to visit the country for the World Cup.
They said the ‘ban applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only, and does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals intending to travel for the World Cup’.
In addition, FIFA has issued a statement, echoing this point.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "America welcomes the World. We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history – and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that."
As well as non-immigrant visas still being available, FIFA has recently announced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS).
Those who have a valid World Cup ticket can apply for a FIFA PASS, which will give them access to priority visa interview appointments ahead of the tournament.