Dancehall artist Popcaan revealed on Thursday, January 26, 2023, that he has never traveled to the United States and does not have a visa that allows entry to that country.
In a tweet, the artist told his fans he wants to initiate a campaign for a visa to visit the United States. Popcaan is a frequent traveler. He has been to Canada, Europe, and even Africa multiple times in recent years. However, he says he has never had the opportunity to travel to the United States.
“Why did they let me into everywhere except America?? something not right!!!” Popcaan said in a tweet. “Well, I would like to see what America looks like. So let’s start the 1st time in America campaign today!!! #GIHE Go!”
Popcaan
The campaign so far has collected over 500 signatories. And fans of the artist urged the U.S. government to grant him a visa to travel to that country. The goal is 1000 signatures, and he is well on his way there. Whether or not he gets access is purely up to the government, and why he never got a visa is still being determined. The U.S. government is not obligated to give reasons for visa denials.
Popcaan’s revelation contradicted one of his posts in 2019. When he said, he was in New York City. In August that year, he was booked to perform at a Redbull clash in Atlanta. But, on the event day, the artist shared that he was not allowed to travel due to issues with his paperwork, but he did not give reasons or explain what happened.
Popcaan has had a rough time with immigration every time he entered the United Kingdom since last year. The artist’s lawyer Bert Samuels divulged that Popcaan has been blocked. And a red flag was allegedly placed on his record by Jamaican officials.
But the Jamaica Constabulary Force denied having anything to do with Popcaan’s issue. Instead, it said Popcaan’s profile had been issued with a green notice alerting authorities of an alleged arrest for cocaine possession in 2011. And a marijuana possession conviction in Barbados in 2009.
But Popcaan’s lawyer filed a defamation suit against the Jamaican government and the JCF. He denied the allegations. And said the artist has never got “arrested in Barbados or any other place for possession of cocaine.” And his “conviction for marijuana” was deleted from his criminal records in April 2016.
Popcaan’s tweet about campaigning for a U.S. visa saw rousing support for the artist. Popcaan released his fifth studio album, “Great Is He” on Friday, January 27, 2023.