Venezuelan Little League Team Granted U.S. Travel Ban Exemption for 2025 World Series

A Venezuelan Little League baseball team from Barquisimeto was granted a national exemption to President Donald Trump's travel ban, allowing them to participate in the 2025 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This exemption required intervention by Senator David McCormick and a personal sign-off from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the complexities of the Trump administration’s travel restrictions on Venezuela. The decision came after a different Venezuelan team from Maracaibo was denied visas for the Senior League World Series, causing criticism from MLB player Willson Contreras, who condemned the administration's policies. While the travel ban exempts athletes in major events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, it initially did not cover events like the Little League World Series, creating uncertainty for international youth teams. The Little League organization expressed gratitude for the support from the U.S. Department of State and emphasized that visa decisions are government-controlled, not imposed by the league itself. This case underscores the shifting landscape for foreign athletes under current U.S. immigration and travel policies.