06/08/26 03:41:00
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06/08 15:39 CDT Somali referee for World Cup is denied entry into the United
States
Somali referee for World Cup is denied entry into the United States
By The Associated Press
Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States after
getting selected to officiate in the World Cup.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Monday that a Somali national who
was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry after arriving
to Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. While the CBP
statement didn't mention the person by name, Artan is the only World Cup
referee from Somalia.
"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine
part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or
determine admissibility," CBP said in its statement. "Following inspection, the
traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible
due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."
CBP noted that all travelers seeking entry into the U.S. --- including
athletes, coaches and staff --- are subject to CBP inspection and vetting.
"Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law
enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the
time of inspection," the CBP statement said. "CBP officers have the authority
to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility
consistent with U.S. law."
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
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