Dancehall legend Beenie Man has achieved global fame since the 1990s, but faced a decade-long US visa ban. Recently, he secured a visa for extraordinary ability in the arts, allowing him to visit the US Virgin Islands as a guest of honor. Beenie Man reflected on how vital US performances are compared to others internationally, emphasizing the frequency possible in the US. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. welcomed him warmly, acknowledging the joy his music brings, while his attorney described the complexities surrounding his visa denials.
The work in the United States is different from the work in Europe or the work in Africa. Because you can go to Africa about one to two times a year, but you can go to America every week because you have 50 different states plus territories.
I described the moment as a high point in my career, telling the Guardian that the 10-year ban excluding him from one of the biggest markets for Caribbean music had been disastrous for his career.
It was awesome to meet the man that livened plenty of dancehalls for me. Welcoming him to the Virgin Islands was a special pleasure, not only for the privilege of meeting him but the joy I know his music brings to people.
A big part of my challenge was dissecting the situation and understanding why they were denying my client. There is a concept in immigration called inadmissibility that is written into the Immigration and Nationality Act.
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