The US Citizenship and Immigration Service has decided to take a more strict interpretation of the laws that govern them, which is making like more difficult for touring musicians.  Hypebot says the new strictness may cost up to $6000 in additional fees, but from what I’ve read, it seems that would only be if they may mistakes on their applications.  One artist that has already been affected is British rapper and Mercury Prize winner Speech Debelle.  She was unable to attend SXSW and the CMJ Marathon due to visa headaches.

It’s too bad for her, I actually like her stuff and I’m sure her career would have benefited greatly from playing those two festivals.  Hopefully, the USCIS will get it straightened out and loosen up so we can enjoy foreign artists more frequently.  Until then, check out her song: Spinnin’.