On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that efforts to expedite visa issuance ahead of the World Cup would be intensified, cautioning that Colombians might need to apply sooner rather than later due to existing backlogs.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, visa scrutiny has increased as the focus has shifted toward strict immigration policies and the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
During a discussion with lawmakers, Rubio mentioned that the State Department is considering moving diplomats to assist with visa processing and establishing a 24-hour operation in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
“We’re looking at ways to implement double shifts at various embassies around the globe because of visa demands,” he conveyed to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
He also noted that those who haven’t yet applied for visas from Colombia may face difficulties getting them in time for the tournament without additional efforts.
In some instances, embassies may employ artificial intelligence to aid in processing visa renewals.
“We are optimistic about this approach. It’s a key focus for the president,” Rubio remarked regarding promoting tourism linked to sporting events.
This response came during a conversation with Representative Dina Titus, who expressed concern over reduced tourist numbers in her area, including Las Vegas, since Trump took office.
Tourists have encountered stricter questioning when entering the U.S. since Trump’s return to the White House, with a noticeable decrease in Canadian visitors, who typically don’t require a U.S. visa, likely influenced by Trump’s controversial statements about Canada’s sovereignty.
