In New York City, the New Colossus Festival buzzed with activity as music enthusiasts and badge-holders ventured into intimate clubs to witness a diverse line-up of international performances. The festival kicked off with a Japanese rock band setting the stage for a German post-punk trio, followed by an alternative group from New Zealand, all showcasing a global spectrum of musical talent. This vibrant event draws its name from the evocative poem on the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing a message of welcome to new immigrants: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses….”
Entering its sixth year, the festival featured a staggering 196 artists, with more than half hailing from countries across the globe. However, for many international artists, performing in the U.S. has become increasingly challenging and costly in recent years. Mischa Dempsey, from the Montreal band Knitting, who performed at the festival, described the complex and demanding process as pushing towards the limits of feasibility.
Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented significant changes to visa fees on April 1, 2024, increasing costs from $460 to over $1,615 per musician application. This marked the first adjustment since 2016 and was intended to better recoup operating expenses and quicken application processing. Unfortunately, those intentions have not materialized as expected, according to several voices in the artist community.
The procedural changes have introduced unexpected delays, according to Gabriel Castro, an immigration lawyer, and have not accelerated the process as planned. Tamizdat, a non-profit organization promoting worldwide artist mobility, reports that visa processing has decelerated drastically. The Vermont service center has seen wait times expand from one to three months, while California’s timeline has ballooned from two to four months, now reaching up to eight.
This sluggish pace poses a substantial challenge as few artists have the means to afford expedited processing, which comes with an extra $2,800 price tag, nor the foresight to book tours eight months in advance. During this period of uncertainty, some artists have opted out of U.S. tours entirely. Prominent acts like K-pop group KARD and Canadian metal band Respire have canceled their 2025 U.S. tours, citing visa complications as a central issue. Swedish rapper Bladee also postponed his 2024 tour due to analogous problems.
All international musicians require adequate documentation to perform in the U.S., with few exceptions like the Visa Waiver Program used at specific festivals. However, trust in obtaining visas fluctuates, leading to speculation on the viability of touring in the States. Economic concerns also linger as artists evaluate if the U.S. remains financially advantageous.
The repercussions of these visa challenges are widespread, particularly impacting artists from the Global South or smaller, emerging genres such as world music and jazz. While countries like Germany, the U.K., and France provide government support to their musicians, U.S. visa hurdles can still deter potential performances, as seen with last-minute cancellations at the New Colossus Festival.
The issue extends beyond cultural loss to economic ramifications for venues and local businesses reliant on international acts. Past policies have shown that changes in immigration processes can indirectly affect visa processing times and scrutinies. Matthew Covey, an immigration attorney with Tamizdat, notes that delays and errors are reminiscent of the previous presidential administration’s policies, with expectations of increased delays under the current government climate.
The compounded procedural uncertainties and expenses are prompting some artists to reconsider the U.S. as a tour destination. As evolving political dynamics unfold, many musicians grow apprehensive about the impact on their ability to gain entry. The complexity of the current visa landscape poses potential restrictions on a diverse range of artists, challenging the inclusivity and richness of the artistic scene in the U.S.
For bands like Knitting, the prospect of future U.S. tours is daunting, exacerbated by fears surrounding border crossing, especially for their gender nonconforming members. As artists worldwide grapple with these obstacles, the conversation continues on how the U.S. can foster an environment that embraces a broad palette of global artistry.