UN urges US to rethink immigration policy amid World Cup entry issues

The United Nations Human Rights chief, Volker Türk, has called on Washington to conduct a "deep review" of its immigration policies, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Türk expressed concern that the application of these policies is negatively impacting human rights and dignity.

"I truly hope there will be a deep questioning of the way the application of immigration policies affects human rights and human dignity," Türk stated during a press conference in Geneva. He specifically urged a reconsideration of policies currently in place in the United States, especially within the context of the World Cup.

Tensions surrounding the strict U.S. immigration policy have escalated just before the tournament's start. FIFA acknowledged it does not intervene in host country immigration procedures, including visa issuance, as it faces criticism for the situation.

The most prominent incident involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry by U.S. border police upon arrival in Miami. Artan, who had a valid visa, expressed his disappointment, calling it the "biggest dream of my life" being shattered. The U.S. State Department cited Artan's alleged association with individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations as the reason for his denial.

Other international football representatives also encountered administrative hurdles. Iraq's star forward Aymen Hussein was detained for nearly seven hours at Chicago airport, and the team's official photographer was denied entry despite a valid visa. Swiss player Breel Embolo, initially denied administrative permission to enter the U.S. due to a past conviction, eventually secured a visa. Iranian players and staff received their visas, but several accompanying individuals were denied entry.