US prohibits tourists from monetizing content during the World Cup

In a note sent to the newspaper The Countrythe US Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Homeland Security reported that the work is considered “illegal” and could result in punishment for individuals during the world tournament, which begins this Thursday (11).

“Coming to the US for the sole purpose of creating content (as an influencer), generating income while in the country, is considered work and requires
the appropriate visa,” the government said. “Persons who enter the U.S. through a visitor program and receive income from a U.S. source would be violating the conditions of their visa of admission,” it added.

Violation of the measure may result in visa cancellation, deportation and even restrictions on future travel to the country. The American tourist visa (category B-2) allows entry to the USA for leisure, vacations, visits to family or medical treatment. Any activity that generates income may result in punishment for the beneficiary.

If a content producer is interested in covering the World Cup and generating income from their work, one of the alternatives would be to apply for an O-1 visa, intended for “people with extraordinary abilities in areas such as arts, business, science or sports”.

A government source told the Spanish newspaper that Donald Trump’s government has drawn up plans to intensify inspections at airports and border posts targeting Mexican influencers and other foreigners who try to use tourist visas to work and “generate high income” during the period of the world football tournament. According to the person familiar with the matter, the goal of this policy is to “protect American jobs.”