Musicians in the USA and overseas have spent the final a number of weeks rallying followers towards proposed will increase in visa prices, and now, they’re pushing for a closing surge of help. Visa prices for worldwide artists might practically triple underneath a brand new coverage, making a probably prohibitive barrier to working musicians. Right now (March 13) is the final day for public commentary on the matter, ending at 11:59 p.m. Jap. Discover extra data right here.
The Division of Homeland Safety’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Providers proposed the visa adjustments in January, arguing that the brand new charges have been essential as a consequence of elevated prices on the company. Beneath the brand new pointers, O-1 visas for “people with extraordinary means or achievement” would enhance from $460 to $1,655. The P-2 visas for particular person or group performers would make an identical bounce, from $460 to $1,615.
The Union of Musicians and Allied Staff led a letter-writing marketing campaign of its personal in response to the proposed enhance, aiming for 1,600 letters talking out towards the brand new coverage. Artists like The Climate Station, Geese Ltd., and Primal Scream’s Simone Marie Butler have all spoken out towards the upper charges. In the UK, Let the Music Transfer has inspired British musicians—who’ve been mired in deeper European visa problems on account of Brexit—to take motion, too.
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