Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon is advocating for a reassessment of travel policies that impact visitors arriving in the United States. His plea comes in light of significant upcoming sporting events, notably the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Wyden detailed concerns regarding recent troubling reports about international travelers facing detainment and complications during their entry into the U.S.

Impact on Travelers

Wyden expressed that the current travel environment has made what should be ordinary travel into a “needlessly grueling ordeal” for various groups, including tourists, business travelers, and lawful residents.

As the administration’s immigration policies cause unease among prospective travelers, several nations have begun to revise their guidelines for citizens planning trips to the U.S. For example, a recent analysis by Tourism Economics predicts a 9.4% decline in international arrivals for the year, a concerning trend noted by various industry stakeholders.

Concrete Examples of Issues

Real-life instances accentuate these concerns. In February, a German traveler was detained for 16 days upon attempting to re-enter the U.S. with his American fiancée after a brief trip to Mexico. Similarly, British backpacker Becky Burke faced nearly three weeks in a detention facility in Washington after being halted at the U.S.-Canada border.

Recent Traveler Statistics

The National Travel and Tourism Office highlighted an 11.6% decrease in visits from international travelers to the U.S. in March compared to the same month in the prior year. This downturn is projected to result in a $9 billion decline in spending by international visitors.

Focus on Upcoming Events

In addition to the World Cup, Wyden emphasized the importance of seamless travel for other major events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and this summer’s Club World Cup. He noted that an influx of travelers, ranging from athletes to journalists and spectators, is expected, underscoring the need for improved border policies to facilitate their entry.

“If your harsh and unnecessary approaches to travelers continue, foreign-born athletes who have spent their whole lives training for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity may be unable to travel to the United States to participate in these games,” Wyden stated in his correspondence.

Concerns from Athletes

Border apprehensions have already led to players voicing their concerns. Notably, Venezuelan soccer player Deyna Castellanos chose not to join her national team for recent matches due to fears regarding her ability to return to the U.S. Similarly, the Zambian national team refrained from calling up four women playing in the U.S. for their games in China due to similar worries.

Government Response

In a March meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, President Donald Trump announced the establishment of a task force dedicated to coordinating the federal government’s security and planning for the World Cup. This move highlights the administration’s acknowledgment of the critical need to address travel efficiency in light of significant international events.