Malanginspirasi.com – International soccer fans looking to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup are facing significant delays in obtaining travel visas, raising concerns that they may miss the much-anticipated matches.
California State Senator Dave Cortese has voiced alarm over the increasing reports of a backlog in visa processing, which he attributes in part to a dysfunctional immigration system.
“We have individuals currently on H-1B visas whose renewals are delayed, particularly in the tech industry. This creates frustration and anxiety, and now we see this compounded by the influx of World Cup visitors, culminating in what feels like a perfect storm,” he stated.
The U.S. Travel Association is also raising concerns ahead of the expected increase in travel for the World Cup.
CEO Geoff Freeman emphasized the need for travelers to feel assured about their safety.
“We currently face a shortage of nearly 4,000 air traffic controllers and are relying on outdated technology and aging infrastructure. We believe the administration is aware of these challenges and is working towards new investments to tackle them,” he explained.
Senator Cortese advocates for a united approach among all relevant government agencies to address the visa backlog. He acknowledged the political divisions in California regarding broader immigration policies but insists that a collaborative effort is essential for this specific issue.
“The president, the governor of California, and the Legislature should collectively work towards facilitating smooth entry and exit for visitors,” he urged.
Local leaders, including Cortese, are optimistic that the anticipated economic boost from the World Cup will motivate a more efficient visa processing system.
However, there are concerns that this critical issue may become overshadowed amid the myriad challenges facing both the state and the federal government.
