Just hours before their much-anticipated performance at the La Onda festival in Napa Valley, California, Grupo Firme made a disappointing announcement on their official Instagram account.
The Tijuana band informed their fans that they would be unable to take the stage due to ongoing visa processing issues for the band and their Music VIP team at the U.S. Embassy.
The news was met with widespread disappointment among festivalgoers, who took to social media to express their sadness and provide messages of support for the band.
While many acknowledged Grupo Firme’s efforts, others voiced criticism over the immigration challenges that impede Latino artists, many of whom have devoted fan bases in the United States.
This situation is not unique to Grupo Firme.
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second administration, many Latin American musicians have encountered heightened difficulties in obtaining work visas, severely impacting their ability to tour or participate in major cultural events.
Julión Álvarez is another notable victim of these restrictions.
He recently had to postpone a concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after his visa was unexpectedly revoked.
Similarly, the organizers of the Michelada Fest in Chicago were forced to cancel their event scheduled for May 3 this year, citing immigration uncertainties and a shifting political climate.
In their statement, they expressed their commitment to safeguarding the trust and finances of attendees who had purchased tickets, leading to their decision to cancel.
Regional Mexican music, which has carved out a significant cultural and economic niche in areas with a strong Latino presence, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Texas, is now stymied by these legal barriers that prevent artists from sharing their music across borders.
As they await the resolution of their visa issues, Grupo Firme and their fans are left in limbo, longing for a return to the American music scene.
Messages of encouragement and solidarity flood social media as supporters remain hopeful for their return.
A TikTok host from Mitú highlighted the troubling implications of these visa revocations, stating, “It’s more proof that the U.S. is actually cracking down on corridos.”
His co-presenter chimed in, expressing concern as a music lover and citizen: “With all these visas being revoked, are these artists going to sing the usual music, or create the usual songs they’re used to creating?”
Her final thoughts were striking: “Honestly, where I’m not invited, I don’t go.”
The reasons behind visa revocations are often shrouded in mystery.
The State Department holds the authority to revoke any type of visa at any time, citing reasons deemed consistent with the public interest without needing to provide an explanation.
Common justifications can include links to criminal activity, corruption, or national security, but the criteria can be broad and unpredictable.
Many affected artists are left questioning the specific reasons behind the decisions.
The situation’s gravity is underscored by a growing list of renowned Mexican and Latin American musicians who have faced visa denials or revocations, further complicating their ability to perform in the U.S.
Among those artists are:
– Grupo Firme: Their headline performance at La Onda festival was canceled due to their visas being “under administrative process.”
– Julión Álvarez: His visa revocation forced him to postpone a concert at AT&T Stadium, Texas, with no official explanation provided.
– Javier Rosas: The Sinaloa singer has dealt with ongoing immigration issues that hinder his performances in the U.S.
– Los Alegres del Barranco: This group has reported multiple challenges crossing the border, impacting their performance schedule.
– Lorenzo de Monteclaro: Despite a long-standing career in norteño music, he has encountered immigration restrictions limiting his U.S. appearances.
The artists facing these difficulties all share a common trait: they sing in Spanish and attract large audiences, accomplishing sell-out concerts and festivals across the U.S.
In light of these evolving challenges, Latin music’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, deeply affecting both artists and fans alike.
image source from：https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-06-05/visa-revocations-hamper-mexican-musicians-in-the-united-states.html
