President Donald Trump is expected to sign a new Executive Order this week barring citizens from at least 10 countries from entering the U.S., according to The New York Times. Venezuela will be included on the “red list,” which could have a significant impact on the baseball industry, as Venezuelans are among the top international contributors to Major League Baseball.
The new policy is expected to be signed by March 20. The New York Times has reported that there will be three lists categorizing countries differently. Citizens from red-listed countries will be completely barred from entering the U.S. with no exceptions. The orange-listed countries will face strict travel restrictions, while the yellow-listed countries will be required to improve security measures in order to be removed from the list.
“We don’t have the complete version of the policy yet, but this could affect all athletes from those countries,” said immigration lawyer Jonathan Shaw. “We need to see the final draft of this Executive Order to determine if there is a time limit.”
More than 40 countries are expected to be on the three lists, including some in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and FIFA World Cup.
Venezuela is deeply involved in U.S. baseball, ranking as MLB’s second-largest international player source. Many Venezuelan scouts, coaches, managers, and executives also work in the industry.
We asked agents, scouts, and executives for their opinions, but most were unaware. MLB declined to comment, and the Venezuelan Baseball Federation didn’t respond.
“Maybe some things will change between now and the World Baseball Classic or the World Cup,” Shaw said in a video sent to El Emergente. “Time will tell, but if nothing changes, this policy could impact both events.”
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Venezuelan baseball players are allowed to work in the U.S. with a P-1 visa, which is specifically designed for athletes. However, The New York Times has not clarified whether this policy will only affect individuals without a visa or if it will apply to everyone.
