President Donald Trump’s administration has toughened its immigration policy by withdrawing more than 800 visas in the last two and a half months, many of them from musicians and narcocorrido promoters, according to official sources cited by Milenio.
The measure is part of an effort to combat the glorification of drug trafficking on U.S. soil and is also part of a broader strategy against what the government calls “the spread of criminal and terrorist activities”.
Who is at risk?
One of the most mediatic cases is that of Los Alegres del Barranco, who had their visas revoked after showing images of El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG), at a concert.
According to the White House, anyone who “glorifies or promotes criminal groups” will be eligible to lose access to the US.
Among the artists under observation are also Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano, Grupo Arriesgado, Jr. Salazar, and Grupo Firme, whose lyrics explicitly allude to drug trafficking characters and acts.
What does the government say?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated that visas “are a privilege, not a right,” and that the government can revoke them without notice.
For his part, Undersecretary Christopher Landau warned that freedom of expression “does not exempt from consequences” if it leads to the promotion of criminal conduct.
No vamos a extender la alfombra roja a quienes glorifican a criminales y terroristas
Cristopher Landau
This stance is reminiscent of similar measures taken under the Patriot Act following the attacks of September 11, 2001.
But with a more focused approach now on popular culture and national security.
How does it impact Hispanics?
Buzzy
This policy, Trump stepping up visa withdrawals, has direct implications for the Hispanic community in the United States.
Especially for those who consume or work in the Mexican regional music industry:
Cancellation of concerts and tours of popular artists.
Immigration restrictions for musicians, producers and promoters.
Tension regarding freedom of artistic expression.
In addition, organizations such as the Alliance of Higher Education and Immigration Presidents warn that these actions “create a climate of fear and cultural repression.”
The use of narcocorrido lyrics as a source of criminal intelligence has been documented by federal agencies.
As in the case of the capture of “El Piyi”, former head of the Sinaloa Cartel’s hitmen, after analyzing songs describing his operational environment.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
