The Trump administration seems ready to take a significant step in its immigration policy, one that could have a major impact on Venezuelan baseball. Multiple media reports over the past week have stated that, starting March 21, all Venezuelan citizens will be barred from entering the U.S.
According to The New York Times, Venezuela will be among 10 countries on the «red list,» whose citizens will be completely restricted from entry into the U.S. This could create significant challenges for Venezuelan baseball players, MLB personnel abroad, and the Venezuelan national team ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
“There is also the possibility that Trump could carve out exemptions for professional athletes, as we’ve seen in past immigration policies,” said lawyer Bradford Bernstein of the Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein. “Those who qualify for O-1 visas might also find themselves exempt.”
During Trump’s first term, a similar restriction on Venezuela applied only to individuals tied to Nicolás Maduro’s government. This time, the ban appears to be broader, affecting all Venezuelan citizens except permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
We spoke with baseball scouts, agents, and industry insiders, none of whom were aware of this policy, expected to be finalized by March 20. MLB declined to comment, and the Venezuelan National Baseball Federation did not respond.
Venezuelan-born MLB players are unlikely to be directly affected, but minor league and independent league players, as well as MLB employees abroad, could face challenges.
“The real question is what happens to minor league players and those who haven’t yet reached star status,” Bernstein said in an email. “If the ban applies to new visa applicants without an exemption for professional athletes, it could significantly impact the ability of Venezuelan baseball players in the minor leagues to continue their careers in the U.S.”
A Visa for the American Dream in Baseball
The United States provides a special visa for international athletes called the P-1 visa. Major League Baseball teams can request as many P-1 visas as necessary to bring their personnel to the U.S.
According to sources, nearly all international baseball players enter the U.S. on a P-1 visa. Only a small group of stars hold Green Cards or have already been naturalized as U.S. citizens.
“Another key consideration is whether the ban will apply only to new visas or if it will affect existing visa holders as well,” Bernstein explained. “Some players may already have visas stamped in their passports and could enter the U.S. before the ban takes effect, securing their status before any restrictions are implemented. Once inside the U.S., they would be safe unless they need to travel internationally for games, such as trips to Canada.”
For now, there are only two professional baseball teams in Canada connected to the MLB system: the Toronto Blue Jays and their High-A affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians.
A major concern is for MLB scouts who live abroad and travel to the U.S. once or twice a year. Some of them hold B1/B2 visitor visas, while a smaller group has work visas. Additionally, personnel required for Venezuela’s national team at the upcoming World Baseball Classic may face logistical difficulties starting March 21.
However, we must wait for the policy to become official.
“Green Card holders would not be affected, and for those who have already reached Major League status,” Bernstein said, “obtaining a Green Card under the ‘Alien of Extraordinary Ability’ category is typically a fast process. Therefore, players at that level should be securing their Green Cards now if they haven’t already.”
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This reported travel ban could create challenges for many Venezuelan baseball players who choose to spend their offseason abroad. They may have to stay in the U.S. during the winter to avoid the risk of being unable to re-enter the country next year.
