Banned From The USA
Unfortunately, ladies and gentlemen, it seems visiting (let alone touring) the states from now on is going to be difficult if not impossible. See the documents below that were issued to me prior to my admission at the Allegany County Jail.
The Department Of Homeland Security declares that I am prohibited from entering the United States for a period of ten years, and that bypassing this ban would require a very special exception made by the highest order.
I’m busy writing up a full report of what happened. Stay tuned, folks!
Every time I see this it continues to infuriate me.
:((
I’m sorry to hear about this, apparently our legal system lacks much discernment. I’m not sure how a ten-year ban is supposed to solve/be an apropriate punishment for being here “illegally” bc of incorrect paperwork that wasn’t your fault….agree with GermInCalif. Anyway all the best, whatever you decide to do!
After reading this and your experience, have you thought about doing live performances again? Perhaps in other countries like Canada or in your hometown?
I actually wouldn’t mind flying down south to see you perform live.
Awwwwww D: This really blows. I was truly hoping you would come and do remixes of NY, Cali, and Miami… three of the top cities in the USA. But I really am tired of these stupid laws… SOPA and the PIPA, this. I just want to move back to the Netherlands.
So sorry to learn more and more about this story. I support my country’s laws, but disheartened to learn such a long sentence was imposed for something that was the error of a contracted party. Hopefully you will get some sort of compensation from the Agency Group at fault and you are able to reduce or rescind the current order. Would love to see you in the US again, (I’m currently working abroad, and was so shocked when I learned you went to play at my alma mater, University of Wyoming, which is literally off the map for cool stuff. I should have stayed another year, hah.)
With the current outlook, that mean’s I’ll just have to make a pilgrimage down under to see you live. Your music is truly inspiring, and not a day goes by that I don’t listen to at least one of your songs. Continue to do great stuff, and I look forward to your next works.
From Germany, living in the US, specifically California, have a “greencard”, however it’s really the color pink? Go figure. Anyway., don’t just dismiss this and give up, get your manager to contact an immigration attorney and fight this. You weren’t dealing drugs, or smuggling weapons, you can appeal this and win but you have to make the effort and start making phone calls, the squeaky wheel gets the grease in the US so start squeaking and be loud about it! Ten years? Please, it’s sounds like a power hungry homophobe in customs got hold of you, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. FIGHT THIS, you can win. Do you have a record label in the US, they should help as well.
I live in Buffalo! SO sorry to hear this, Pogo. Love your work and I’ll continue to support you! Much love from the City of Good Neighbors. Damn the man!
I had a working visas in the usa, i had two weeks left on it, so i went to Canada for a holiday before i retured to the USA. At the Canadian borded,, i was prevented from entering the USA. Can this be over turned and how do i go about it? please help
I don’t understand why we make it impossible for people to cross imaginary lines on the earth.
Saw Pogo in the USA this fall. So glad I got to.
Best of luck.
Bummer. Hope you get it figured out! Rules are rules–can’t be bent for artists, not even the great ones. With the report, remember you’ll attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Disney has you to thank for rekindling my interest in their music and thus movies as an adult. I enjoy your work!
Take Care.
Well yeah.. It’s illegal to stay in the US for more than 3 months without your green card, or?
Or did you get a green card?
I think the 10 years thing is a bit harsh though, and I didn’t know they actually do it like that. But aye, I guess that’s how it works.
Hope you can get back as soon as possible though! Or hit up Europe. :)
I feel ashamed of my own country.
Mate that’s messed up.
I was very shocked when I heard this happened. Our systems in the U.S. are broken, miscommunication and ridiculous laws resulted in the detainment of a more than welcomed artist here in the U.S. So sad to here we may not see you here again if at all. All I can say is that I am SO THANKFUL I saw you in Los Angeles during your last tour, it was awesome. I hope to see you perform in the future… who knows, maybe I’ll fly out to you.
omg that was a day after my birthday D:
How sad. America, why must you ban such an artist! I’m honestly at a loss… I was so hoping you would come to America soon! Even Texas maybe…. This is extremely unfortunate!!
And I’m with Robin, what happened? I’ve never even heard of something like this…
But continue doing what you’re doing! It’s awesome :) <3
What’s that exactly? I never hear from a letter like this, because I life in germany. I’m interested what happen, that you got a letter like this.
But it sounds not very good…
all the more reason to come to canada
specifically ottawa
Looking forward to hear the entire story. My Dad is from Australia and had to go through a similar situation couple years ago.
Please hold on to all of these assets. Your case is ridiculous and reactionary on the part of our government. They will likely pay the bigger price in the long run. I am still waiting for news of the collapse of of the outfit that got you in this mess in the first place.
I agree completely that this entire episode is the US’s loss and the gain of the rest of the world.
This will make you stronger in the end if it hasn’t already.
PS: Kaadinchey is breathtaking and tear inducing. I’ve just received my copy today. Bravo!
This is just a joke^^ How ridonkulous!
Come to northern Europe, we welcome you with open arms :)