Doha – The Moroccan singer Douzi was refused to enter the USA this weekend, which prevented his planned appearance at Harvard University due to a recent trip to Iraq.
The Belgian pass owner discovered the restriction at the airport when he tried to travel to New York before driving to the Arab conference from Harvard to Boston, which was planned for April 11th to 13th.
“During the check-in at the airport, I was informed that I couldn’t enter American soil. I was shocked and asked why. I have no political affiliations; I’m just making music, ”said Douzi in an Instagram video posted Saturday.
The singer said that the ban was associated with his visit to Iraq about six weeks ago, where he received an award at a cultural event. Iraq is among several countries of a US-restricted travel list that can trigger automatic entry-level expansion, especially for travelers who are suitable for a visa-free entry.
“They told me that the ban was related to my visit to Iraq. I was recently there to receive an award,” he said. “Apparently Iraq is on a list of countries that can justify the rejection of the entry into the United States.”
Douzi should take part in a special meeting titled “Live with Douzi: A conversation with the music ambassador of Morocco” on the prestigious Harvard Arab Conference, where he wanted to discuss his artistic journey for three decades.
The United States houses strict entry restrictions for people who have recently visited certain countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Cuba, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.
Even for travelers who are not nationals of these countries, a recently carried out visit can trigger automated warnings in the US border control systems.
In order to solve the situation, the Douzi team was informed that the only way to increase the ban is to plan an interview in the US consulate in its current country of residence. During this interview, he had to explain the reasons for his visit to Iraq and answer related questions.
“But that cannot happen before the conference, in which I should take part in April 12th and 13th,” he said. “I apologize to everyone who awaited us at the event.”
Prominent numbers from different areas are held every year in the Harvard Arab Conference. This year’s event shows businessman Mohamed Hadid, director Tima Shomali, designer Tony Ward and entrepreneur Alia Mahmoud about innovations, media, art and entrepreneurship in Arab and global contexts.
