Little League International told Scripps News that members of a Venezuelan team were denied travel permits to the United States so they could play in the league’s Senior League Baseball World Series in Easley, South Carolina.
The reason for the Cacique Mara Little League’s inability to secure visas for its members is unknown.
“While this is extremely disappointing, especially to these young athletes, the Little League International Tournament Committee has made the decision to advance the second-place team, Santa Maria de Aguayo Little League (Victoria, Mexico), to participate in the Senior League Baseball World Series and ensure the Latin America Region is represented in the tournament and that the players, coaches, and families from Mexico are able to have a memorable World Series experience,” the Little League International said in a statement.
The reasons for the visa denials were not disclosed by the U.S. State Department.
“Our consular officers are currently working to review the case to confirm proper procedures were followed and necessary appeals were submitted by the visa applicants,” said the State Department.
RELATED STORY | In an agreement that also frees migrants sent to El Salvador by the United States, Venezuela frees Americans imprisoned in
Visa denials coincide with the Trump administration’s decision to remove temporary legal safeguards for Venezuelan immigrants who were awarded Temporary Protected Status.
Additionally, the Trump administration recently prohibited Venezuelan citizens from getting commercial, academic, and tourist visas.
P-1A visas are typically granted to athletes. Venezuelan nationals continue to receive P-1A visas from the Trump administration.
The competition begins today and ends on August 2. It has six international teams and six U.S. teams made up of kids between the ages of 13 and 16.
In Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the Little League World Series for children aged 11 and 12 is organized by Little League International.
