The United States government’s decision to suspend the issuance of visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Brazil, should make it difficult for fans who want to follow the Brazilian team’s World Cup matches to plan.
The World Cup will take place from June 11th to July 19th, in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The United States will host 78 of the 104 games, including Brazil’s three in the group stage.
Although the measure is only valid for those who intend to live in the United States, and therefore does not apply to tourists who want to watch the World Cup games, experts point out that it could make the process slower and more rigid, delaying Brazilians from obtaining visas.
“The main risk is the freezing or delay in processing new orders in the months leading up to the event,” said Leonardo Dias, partner at Urbano Vitalino Advogados, responsible for the sports and entertainment area.
The lawyer recalled that possession of a ticket does not, in itself, generate the right to be granted a visa. According to him, exceptions are usually restricted to athletes, official delegations, managers and accredited professionals and depend on an express act from the government.
“The impact will depend on the final text of the policy and the eventual creation of exceptional regimes related to the World Cup”, stated Dias.
At the end of November, the Trump administration had announced that the United States would speed up the issuance of visas for foreign visitors who have tickets to the World Cup.
When contacted, FIFA (International Football Federation) did not respond until the publication of the report. The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) stated that the issue is a “State matter” and that it would not comment.
According to the United States government, the suspension is aimed at nations “whose immigrants enjoy American welfare assistance at unacceptable levels.”
“The suspension will remain in effect until the United States can ensure that new immigrants will not extract welfare from the American people,” the State Department said.
Founder of the Toledo e Associados office, Daniel Toledo said that there is the possibility of an increase in the rigor of the analysis of requests.
“In situations like this, consulates tend to require more proof of ties with the country of origin, financial capacity and clarity in the purpose of the trip. This tends to increase the number of denials and lengthen deadlines, which can affect those who leave the request too close to the event”, said Toledo.
“Those who do not yet have a visa should start the process as soon as possible,” he added.
Lawyer specializing in International Law, Fernando Canutto recalled that the Trump administration had already determined not to process, or cancel, visa requests from people considered at risk, such as those with serious illnesses, obesity or advanced age.
“It is very likely that Brazilian fans who want to go to the World Cup in the United States, and who are included in these risk factors, will have their visa processing denied or, at least, suspended,” said Canutto.
Partner at Godke Advogados and specialist in International Business Law, Marcelo Godke stated that he naturally sees the fact that visas intended for temporary purposes, such as attending the World Cup games, are not included in the restriction.
“This is because holders of these visas typically face greater difficulties in accessing social security benefits, which would be the US government’s main concern at this time,” said Godke.
He also stated that he believes the suspension is temporary, with the aim of reviewing and tightening admission procedures for issuing immigrant visas.
“The expectation is that the process will resume soon, after tightening the criteria, possibly with the imposition of specific restrictions for certain countries or for people with previously defined characteristics.”
