United States warns influencers who want to monetize content in the country using a tourist visa

Facade of the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host 2026 World Cup games, including the final
Angelina Katsanis/Reuters
Just hours before the start of the FIFA World Cup, the United States issued a warning to foreign influencers who want to monetize with content produced within the country and who are using a tourist visa.
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The warning was made in a joint note from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security, which was sent to the Spanish newspaper El País.
"Entering the United States for the sole purpose of creating content (as an influencer) and thus generating income from the United States while in the country is considered work and requires the appropriate visa", states the note. "People who enter the United States through visitor programs and receive income from an American source would be violating the conditions of their admission."
The warning comes on the eve of one of the biggest sporting events in the world, which should attract hundreds of content creators interested in recording the experience for millions of followers. It is not yet clear how the new rules will be applied nor whether there have already been inspection cases related to the measure.
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According to American authorities, the tourist visa (B-2) allows leisure travel, vacations, family visits and medical treatment, but does not authorize the exercise of professional activities or the receipt of income for work carried out in American territory. Failure to comply with the rules may result in visa cancellation, deportation and restrictions on future entry into the country.
For influencers and content creators, one of the alternatives is the O-1 visa, aimed at professionals with skills considered extraordinary in areas such as arts, sports, science and business. Depending on the situation, the document allows paid activities, such as advertising campaigns, partnerships with brands and production of commercial content.
A source from the US government told "El País" that President Donald Trump's administration intends to reinforce inspection at airports and border posts to identify foreign influencers who use tourist visas to work and generate income. According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the objective is to "protect American jobs."
"They themselves denounce themselves through the videos," said the source, referring to content creators who share on social media details about obtaining visas and traveling through the United States to produce material for digital platforms.
The country has drawn attention in recent weeks for the treatment given to people interested in following the tournament on American soil or who are going to work during the event. The Trump administration's immigration policy is causing uncertainty and fear among fans and professionals around the world.
Fans from Iran, a country that is at war with the USA, were prevented from entering the country. In another recent case, a Somali referee was deported, accused of having relations with terrorist groups.

Source: G1