This was unexpected.
Baseball and border security may soon collide. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new travel ban targeting high-risk countries—including Cuba and Venezuela—and it could shake up Major League Baseball (MLB).
Cuban and Venezuelan Players Face Uncertainty Under Travel Restrictions
According to reports from Axios and The New York Times, the upcoming executive order will restrict travel to and from more than 30 nations. Cuba and Venezuela are expected to be placed on a high-alert “red list,” effectively banning entry to the United States for most citizens from those countries.
This potential policy shift could directly impact professional baseball players—especially younger prospects and minor league athletes—many of whom rely on P-1 visas to compete in the U.S.
MLB Talent Pipeline at Risk
Immigration attorneys warn that players with temporary athlete visas may now need special waivers to return after traveling abroad for games, including matchups against the Toronto Blue Jays or participation in winter leagues in Mexico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
Veteran players with green cards likely won’t be affected, but for many up-and-comers, this could disrupt careers—and reshape how teams recruit international talent.
Venezuela: A Major Player in America’s Favorite Pastime
Venezuela is the second-largest source of international talent in MLB, just behind the Dominican Republic. As of last season, 58 Venezuelan players and 18 Cubans were on official rosters, according to El Emergente.
The Houston Astros alone had 16 international players, many of whom could be impacted by new entry rules.
This isn’t just about athletes—coaches, scouts, and baseball executives from these countries could also face significant hurdles due to the ban.
Trump’s Policy Targets Nations with Weak Security Vetting
This move comes after Trump’s January executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security, State Department, and intelligence agencies to flag countries with inadequate screening procedures.
The goal: strengthen national security and protect American citizens by preventing entry from nations that can’t provide reliable background checks. The final report is due this week, with the official policy announcement expected shortly after.
Impact on Upcoming Global Sports Events
Immigration attorney Jonathan Shaw noted that the full scope of the policy remains unclear. “This could affect participation in the World Baseball Classic and possibly the 2026 World Cup if nothing changes,” he said.
Baseball Season Begins Amid Policy Uncertainty
The MLB season is already underway overseas, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs facing off in Tokyo. Opening Day in the U.S. is scheduled for Thursday—but questions remain for players traveling internationally.