Actor blocked from Oscars by Trump travel ban
From Documented: Not everyone invited to the 98th Academy Awards was able to attend — thanks in part to the Trump administration’s visa freeze.
Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees, who played a leading role in “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which was nominated for best international feature film, announced on social media that he would not attend the awards show due to the Trump administration’s travel ban.
“I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship,” he wrote in a post on his Instagram, adding, “It hurts.”
His absence is due to a presidential proclamation, which went into effect on Jan. 1, that fully suspended visas issued to individuals with travel documents “endorsed by” the Palestinian Authority, in addition to foreign nationals from 19 countries.
An empty seat at the Oscars is likely just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the visa ban’s impact on tourism and travel to the U.S. this year, especially with the World Cup less than 100 days from kick-off.
