Beenie Man Says His US Visa Has Been Reinstated: “America, We Soon Forward!”

Dancehall star Beenie Man says he’s finally returning to the United States, revealing that his US visa has been reinstated after years of travel restrictions. In a Boxing Day video, the Who Am I singer shared gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to perform in America again.

“American VISA come, one more time. America we soon forward,” he said in the video, which also announced the postponement of the Beenie Man Foundation’s Football Competition. In the caption, he added, “Thank you AMERICA & JAMAICA for this great travel opportunity once again! 🙏🏾”

Florida-based Immigration Law Firm Bennett Law Center reportedly played a role in the process, with attorney Bridgette M. Bennett celebrating Beenie’s return on Instagram.

“One of the proudest moments of my career as an attorney!” she wrote. “It’s pure magic when my personal passions and profession collide — Congratulations Moses, King of the Dancehall, Di Doctor, Di Girls Dem Sugar, Mr. Sim Simma — wha we say? Stay tuned yaw’ll for ‘The Return of Moses!’”

Beenie has been unable to travel to the US for performances since 2015.

In 2023, his manager, Shawn Baptiste of Ciga Records, highlighted the importance of overcoming this barrier. “I recognised that he has not been able to travel to the US, which has limited the opportunities,” he told the STAR.

“Running a business without communication, you end up lose. The communication part was a big downfall because a man with a career like Beenie Man needs a team of persons who not only manage his music, but understand the business, and handle the travel arrangements,” he added.

Beenie’s travel woes began in 2010 when the US revoked his visa, along with those of fellow Dancehall stars Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Aidonia, and Mavado.

While Aidonia and Mavado’s visas were eventually reinstated, Beenie’s struggles persisted. He briefly regained his visa in 2011, allowing him to perform at notable events like Groovin In The Park in New York and the BET Awards in 2013. However, by 2015, his ability to travel to the US was once again restricted.

The impact of these restrictions was evident in 2022, when Beenie was scheduled for multiple high-profile appearances in the US, including the Essence Music Festival and LETSGETFR.EE Carnival. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend, leaving fans disappointed.

Earlier this year, Beenie, who had been nominated for Best Reggae Album, missed Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, presumably because of his VISA status. “Beenie Man would love to be there but, because of certain situations, he is unable to …we all know how life is sometimes,” Baptise had said at the time.

“He will soon step foot back in America,” he added.