Sen. Ron Wyden has raised concerns with top Trump administration officials regarding policies affecting travelers entering the United States, particularly in light of upcoming major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup. Wyden highlighted issues of international travelers facing detention and other travel disruptions, which he believes have needlessly complicated travel for various individuals. The administration’s immigration and border policies have led to a growing apprehension among international travelers, prompting some countries to update their travel advisories for visits to the U.S.

Tourism Economics has revised its outlook, anticipating a 9.4% decrease in international arrivals this year. Recent incidents, including the detention of a German visitor and a British backpacker, have underscored the challenges faced by travelers entering the U.S. Wyden’s plea follows a report by the National Travel and Tourism Office showing an 11.6% decline in overseas visits to the U.S. in March compared to the previous year, with an estimated $9 billion drop in spending by international visitors forecasted for this year.

With major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Wyden emphasized the potential impact of stringent travel policies on athletes, support staff, journalists, and spectators planning to attend these events. Concerns over border issues have already affected soccer players, with some opting out of international matches due to fears of travel restrictions. President Trump’s announcement of a task force to oversee security and planning for the upcoming World Cup highlights the significance of addressing these travel challenges effectively.