Senator Ron Wyden has urged Trump administration officials to reevaluate travel policies affecting international travelers, which are becoming increasingly restrictive and causing significant concern ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup. Wyden highlighted instances where travelers have faced harsh detainment, such as a German visitor detained for 16 days and a British backpacker held for nearly three weeks, which have contributed to a 9.4% predicted decline in international arrivals and a projected $9 billion drop in U.S. spending by international visitors. The senator emphasized that these policies could adversely affect athletes, support staff, and spectators, potentially preventing participation in events like the World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. There are already reported cases of athletes like Venezuelan forward Deyna Castellanos and Zambia's national team players avoiding travel due to fears of not being allowed to return to the U.S. In response to these challenges, President Trump announced a task force to oversee security and planning for the upcoming World Cup during a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Senator Ron Wyden has voiced concerns to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the impact of current U.S. travel policies on international visitors, with a focus on the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Wyden cited specific incidents, including the prolonged detainment of a German visitor and a British backpacker, as examples of how stringent travel policies are turning travel into a difficult experience for many.

International travel to the U.S. is projected to decline by 9.4% this year, with an expected $9 billion reduction in spending by international visitors, according to Tourism Economics.

Wyden warned that the current travel policies could prevent athletes and others from participating in major events, with examples including Venezuelan forward Deyna Castellanos and players from Zambia's national team avoiding travel due to reentry concerns.

The decline in international arrivals was highlighted by a preliminary report from the National Travel and Tourism Office, showing an 11.6% drop in overseas visits to the U.S. in March compared to the previous year.

In light of the issues raised, President Trump announced the creation of a task force to manage the federal government's security and planning efforts for the upcoming World Cup, in collaboration with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Wyden emphasized the potential negative impact of the travel policies on significant upcoming events, including the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Club World Cup, stressing the need for policy reconsideration to facilitate smooth international participation.