Saint Levant postpones US tour dates after visa setback
Palestinian singer-songwriter Saint Levant has postponed his first North American tour, citing unresolved US visa problems. His application was initially approved but later subjected to extra background checks, leading to the delay. The move reflects broader difficulties foreign artists have faced with US immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
Abdelhamid, who performs as Saint Levant, had secured initial approval for his visa before being flagged for additional screening as tour dates neared. His postponed trek was scheduled to span 41 shows across multiple continents, including stops in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Detroit. He consulted legal counsel and fellow Palestinian and Arab artists who faced similar obstacles before deciding to push the North American leg to spring 2027.
The visa complications extend beyond Abdelhamid. The Tuareg band Tinariwen, whose members hold Malian passports, canceled US dates after Mali appeared on a 75-country visa suspension list. Mexican singer Diego Millan, known as Calle 24, also scrapped performances following an unexpected work visa revocation. A federal judge recently ruled the broader visa policy unlawful, though consular appointments remain paused for staff training.
This episode could signal a chilling effect on cultural exchange, as touring artists weigh whether US appearances are worth the legal costs and uncertainty. Fans in diaspora communities, particularly Arab and Palestinian audiences, may lose access to performers who reflect their identities. The trend could also narrow the range of international voices heard on American stages, potentially diminishing the diversity of cultural programming available to US audiences.