When K-pop sensations like BTS, Stray Kids, or BLACKPINK announce US tour dates, fans rush to grab tickets. But behind the lights, choreography, and screaming crowds lie something less glamorous, but legally crucial: immigration!
Just like many of our clients, international performers need work authorization to legally perform their jobs in the United States. Before stepping on stage, each artist must secure the appropriate visa. The process for obtaining a visa varies by visa type and the applicant's purpose. Most visas regarding working in the U.S. require evidence of the applicant’s qualifications, professional achievements, and reason for coming to the United States. The process can take months and often involves coordination between employers, immigration attorneys, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Failure to obtain the proper visa or to adhere to its conditions can lead to denied entry, removal, and even long-term bans on re-entry.
This is a sharp reminder that immigration law affects more people than we think, from global pop stars to business owners and professionals pursuing opportunities abroad. So, the next time you hear that your favorite K-pop group is performing in your city, remember: their journey to the stage started with the same kind of visa process that many of our clients navigate every day.
Kelsey Greene, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw LLP, Charlotte
image: iStock
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