Venezuelan Little League Team Denied US Visas, Misses World Series

A Venezuelan Little League team from Maracaibo, Cacique Mara, has been prevented from attending the Senior League World Series in South Carolina due to visa issues, preventing their participation despite their undefeated record. The team had traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, two weeks ago to apply for US visas but was unsuccessful.

According to Little League International, the team was unable to secure the proper visas required for entry into the United States. The State Department is currently reviewing the situation to ensure all procedures were properly followed, including any appeals submitted by the applicants.

Prior to this setback, the team had celebrated winning the Latin American championship in Mexico on June 16 and was eager to compete in Easley. Their absence has sparked disappointment among supporters and the team, with declarations criticizing the situation as unjust and unfair. The team expressed frustration, stating, “It is a mockery on the part of Little League to keep us here in Bogotá with the hope that our children can fulfill their dreams of participating in a world championship.”

The US government has implemented partial travel bans on Venezuela and other countries earlier this month, citing national security concerns. Notably, Venezuela is among the countries affected, which may explain the visa denial. The Venezuelan team will be replaced by the second-place Latin American team, Santa Maria de Aguayo Little League from Victoria, Mexico, organizers announced.

US officials have emphasized their strict security measures, with some leaders, including President Trump, asserting that no one intending harm will be allowed into the country. Additionally, Cuba, historically a strong participant in international youth baseball tournaments, had no team qualify for this year’s series, aligning with new travel restrictions.

Venezuela has a rich baseball history, producing renowned players like Miguel Cabrera and Jose Altuve, and has claimed the Senior League World Series title three times since the tournament’s inception in 1961.