# Tamizdat


## Posts

- [Tamizdat Brief: US Travel Ban Advisory](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-brief-us-travel-ban-advisory/): Several US immigration policy updates were announced in the last two weeks—some were announced officially and some were only announced through social media with no official guidance. In this advisory we do our best to explain what we know and what we expect from these changes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to helping our community navigate these tumultuous, inexplicable, and often cruel changes in US immigration policy and practice. Of course, this email only provides information and should not be considered legal counsel, which can only be provided in reference to the facts of your specific case. Professionals in […]
- [Tamizdat & Covey Law Office Hours: What You Need to Know as a TGNCI+ Artist](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-covey-law-office-hours-what-you-need-to-know-as-a-tgnci-artist/): Navigating the U.S. immigration system is never simple—and for artists of the transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex (TGNCI) community seeking to work in the US, the process can present unique challenges and risks. This talk, recorded on November 12th, discusses the specific considerations for TGNCI artists applying for O and P visas and entering the United States. We cover best practices for visa preparation, documentation, and consular interviews, as well as what to expect when crossing the border. Special attention is also given to issues of privacy, safety, and advocacy for artists who may face additional scrutiny or discrimination. Check out […]
- [Preparing for Immigration Enforcement](https://tamizdat.org/venue-preparedness/): In August 2025, Tamizdat produced a webinar with the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), designed to help performing arts and music venues in the US know how to best prepare for enforcement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.) Following the webinar, Tamizdat has prepared our infosheet Preparing for Immigration Enforcement: Keeping Music and Performing Arts Venues, Staff, Artists and Audiences Safe. This is available for viewing and downloading here: Direct Download Link Of course, this is not legal advice, and venues should develop policies and procedures specific to their circumstances with the guidance […]
- [US Artist Visa Update: New delays, new fees.](https://tamizdat.org/new-delays-new-fees-2025/): USCIS regular processing times have gone from bad to worse: This affects anyone who needs an O or P visa, or any other petition-based visa. Petition processing times are going from bad to worse. If you need an O or P visa, or any other petition-based visa, in less than six months, you will almost certainly need to pay $2805 (per petition, not per person) for USCIS’s Premium Processing expediting service. And no matter how far in advance you start the process, you should still budget for Premium Processing, because it might become necessary. Also note that USCIS doesn’t accept […]
- [FAQ: traveling to the US right now](https://tamizdat.org/faq-traveling-to-the-us-right-now/): Last updated: March 26, 2025 Creating an FAQ about US immigration is no easy task right now. Predictably, the media coverage of recent events at US ports of entry and within the US are confusing and often lack detail and nuance, so it’s very difficult to understand what is evidence of well-known issues that are nothing new (like a band being denied entry to the US when they lack the proper visa, or an individual facing deportation being detained for many hours or longer), from evidence of new and often frightening enforcement (like ICE arrests targeting individuals for their political […]
- [Our Recent Meetings with USCIS and the Ombudsman's Office RE: Major New Problems with Artist Visas](https://tamizdat.org/our-recent-meetings-with-uscis-and-the-ombudsmans-office-re-major-new-problems-with-artist-visas/): Dear friends and colleagues, As you may recall from our September update, a recent change of procedure at USCIS has O and P visa petitions all going to the Texas Service Center, where they are then forwarded to either the California Service Center (CSC) or the Vermont Service Center (VSC). While VSC processing times have continued normally, erratic processing times at CSC have been wreaking havoc on the performing arts sector. Processing times at CSC are the slowest we have ever seen—more than eight months—which forces visa applicants to use USCIS’s “Premium Processing” expediting service; this can mean an effective […]
- [FAQ for people traveling internationally to SXSW 2025](https://tamizdat.org/sxsw-travel-faq-2025/): Updated 1/29/2025 Much of the international music industry is gearing up once again for SXSW, and as usual, industry professionals and musicians have a lot of questions about the legalities of entering the U.S. This FAQ will help answer some of those questions. Please keep in mind, however, that this is intended as general guidance, and not legal advice. Legal advice can only be given specific to the facts of an individual’s real-life situation, so if you have a question, please contact Tamizdat’s Artist Visa Assistance & Information Line (TamizdatAVAIL) for pro bono legal assistance. Q: I am an international […]
- [Update: What Trump’s executive orders mean for Artist Mobility to the US](https://tamizdat.org/update-what-trumps-executive-orders-mean-for-artist-mobility-to-the-us/): Dear colleagues— Many of you have expressed concern about how the new Trump administration’s policy initiatives might affect the process of bringing international artists into the US. The White House has issued a dizzying array of executive orders; we know that some will be tied up in the courts, and others are unclear and will require the government to explain how they would be enacted and enforced. As such, there is much we don’t know about how the orders will impact our sector. Nevertheless, we want to update you about what we do know and also what we do not […]
- [Tamizdat Brief: Major New Problems With U.S. Artist Visas](https://tamizdat.org/major-new-visa-problems-2024/): First Published: August 6, 2024 Updated February 11, 2025 Dear Colleagues, We write you with an update on recent changes at USCIS that have significantly impacted processing times. For the full story, read on, and see our TLDR summary below: TLDR version: USCIS claimed that their recent fee hikes would ensure timely and consistent processing of O and P artist visa petitions. Unfortunately, recent changes at USCIS have made it now practically impossible to predict whether or not it will be necessary to pay the $2805 Premium Processing expediting fee to ensure that a petition will be approved in time. […]
- [US Visa Advocacy: Progress & Wins in 2023-24](https://tamizdat.org/us-visa-advocacy-progress-wins-in-2023-24/): Last February, we shared with you our brief explainer about the recent USCIS Fee Changes, in which we outlined the important points of the new rule and what it means for international artists and their U.S. collaborators, employers, presenters and promoters. While any fee increase is a blow to our field, we’re happy to report some positive outcomes from our intensive advocacy work of this past year. Here’s what happened:   When USCIS first announced its proposed fee increase in January of  2023, the new fees were so extreme that they risked making touring in the U.S. impossible for many […]
- [Tamizdat Submits Public Comment Regarding Extended Use of "Extreme Vetting" Form DS-5535](https://tamizdat.org/2024-comment-ds5535/): On May 29th, Tamizdat submitted our public comment to the Department of State on their proposal to extend the use of the form DS-5535, first introduced under former president Trump’s “extreme vetting” program. In the attached short public comment letter we object to the use of the form DS-5535 in its entirety. As some background, the question of when an interviewing consular officer should issue the DS-5535 to a visa applicant is at the officer’s discretion, and the practice is prone to discriminatory abuse; the form is predominantly used by non-immigrant visa units at U.S. consulates in Africa and the […]
- [Tamizdat Supports the Salzburg Statement on Supporting Artists on the Front Line](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-supports-the-salzburg-statement-on-supporting-artists-on-the-front-line/): Last year’s prestigious Salzburg Seminar session ‘On the Front Line: Artists at Risk, Artists Who Risk’ saw more than fifty artists, activists and representatives—including Tamizdat’s Matthew Covey and Artistic Freedom Initiative’s Ashley Tucker—from forty countries create the Salzburg Statement on Supporting Artists on the Front Line. In the face of existential disruptions and risks, artists often find themselves on the front lines of movements for change, using their power and practice to envision better futures, stimulate collective action, and drive change across sectors and scales. Unfortunately, as agents of change, artists can become subject to a myriad of threats, such […]
- [Tamizdat Update: U.S. Visa Fee Increases Announced](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-update-u-s-visa-fee-increases-announced/): Many will remember that the government proposed significant visa filing fee hikes in January 2023. After considerable international outcry—especially from the performing arts sector—the hikes were successfully stalled… until now. Last week the U.S. government released its final ruling, announcing changes to the filing fees for many visa petitions that will take place on April 1.  The new rules are complex, and the changes vary from slight reductions to very significant increases. A complete explanation can be found here, but this post summarizes the main points relevant to the international performing arts sector. Any fee increase is a blow, but […]
- [FAQ for people traveling internationally to SXSW 2024](https://tamizdat.org/faq-for-people-traveling-internationally-to-sxsw-2024/): Much of the international music industry is gearing up once again for SXSW, and as usual, industry professionals and musicians have a lot of questions about the legalities of entering the U.S. This FAQ will help answer some of those questions. Please keep in mind, however, that this is intended as general guidance, and not legal advice. Legal advice can only be given specific to the facts of an individual’s real-life situation, so if you have a question, please contact Tamizdat’s Artist Visa Assistance & Information Line (TamizdatAVAIL) for pro bono legal assistance.   Q: What are the current rules regarding […]
- [Has the New Texas Service Center Filing Location for O and P Visas Changed Anything?](https://tamizdat.org/has-the-new-texas-service-center-filing-location-for-o-and-p-visas-changed-anything/): As some of you know, as of October 1, 2023 there has been a change in filing location for the Form I-129 petitions for O and P visa applications. These petitions should now be mailed to USCIS’ Texas Service Center (TSC), rather than to the California Service Center (CSC) or the Vermont Service Center (VSC). The new TSC mailing address is listed on the USCIS website here, in the sections for Os and Ps. We’ve gotten some questions about whether processing times have been slower or there have been other problems resulting from this mailing address change. In fact, what […]
- [U.S. Artist Mobility Advocacy Update: Historic Interdepartmental Government Meeting  with Performing Arts Visa Working Group](https://tamizdat.org/u-s-artist-mobility-advocacy-update-historic-interdepartmental-government-meeting-with-performing-arts-visa-working-group/): We are very excited to share our update on important U.S. Artist Mobility Advocacy Update in October 2023. On October 11th, a historic meeting took place that moved forward the effort to reform U.S. immigration policy regarding international performing artists. The interdepartmental meeting was convened as a listening session for the Performing Artist Visa Working Group (PAVWG), an ad hoc coalition of many major U.S. performing arts stakeholders. The session was organized by the League of American Orchestras and Tamizdat, working in collaboration with the Office of Partnership, and Engagement (OPE) at Department Homeland Security (DHS). It brought together key […]
- [U.S. Artist Visa Fee Hike Postponed](https://tamizdat.org/u-s-artist-visa-fee-hike-postponed/): It appears that our voices were heard. Last January, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a proposal to significantly increase fees, an increase that would massively impact touring performing artists. The proposal was met with massive international and domestic response and advocacy, and since that time, the cultural sector has been waiting for USCIS to respond to the thousands of comments submitted by the cultural sector. Yesterday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared in its spring regulatory agenda that a final rulemaking will not occur until March 2024. The League of American Orchestras reports: “USCIS is continuing to consider […]
- [Visa Fee Increase - Consular Processing](https://tamizdat.org/visa-fee-increase-consular-processing/): U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced it is raising the consular processing fee for O and P visa applications from $190 to $205. The final rule and fee increase will go into effect on May 30, 2023. You may recall that when the government first announced its proposal to raise consular fees to $310 over a year ago, Tamizdat in collaboration with the Performing Arts Visa Working Group publicly commented on and objected to the proposal, resulting in a much lower increase than originally proposed. More detail from Artists From Abroad: The U.S. Department of State has published a final […]
- [Update on the Proposed Fee increase for US Artist Visas](https://tamizdat.org/update-on-the-proposed-fee-increase-for-us-artist-visas/): Update on the Proposed Fee increase for US Artist Visas In the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of press coverage of USCIS’s proposed fee increases as of 1/4/2023. We write today to talk about the proposal – which has extended its public comment period through 3/13/2023  – what it means to the arts, what is being done to resist its approval, and what you can do to help the effort.  What is the proposal? The government has proposed the following changes: The USCIS filing fee for P petitions would increase by 251% (from $460 to $1,615) […]
- [FAQ for people traveling internationally to SXSW 2023](https://tamizdat.org/faq-for-people-traveling-internationally-to-sxsw-2023/): SXSW will go live and in person in Austin this March. Unsurprisingly, international industry professionals and musicians have a lot of questions about the legalities of entering the U.S. This FAQ will help answer some of those questions. Please keep in mind, however, that this is intended as general guidance, and not legal advice. Legal advice can only be given specific to the facts of an individual’s real-life situation, so if you have a question, please contact Tamizdat’s Artist Visa Assistance & Information Line (TamizdatAVAIL) for pro bono legal assistance.   Q: What are the current rules regarding air travel to the U.S.? […]
- [FAQ for people traveling internationally to SXSW 2022](https://tamizdat.org/faq-for-people-traveling-internationally-to-sxsw-2022/): After two years online, SXSW is scheduled to finally go live and in person in Austin this March. Unsurprisingly, international industry professionals and musicians have a lot of questions about the legalities of entering the U.S. This FAQ will help answer some of those questions. Please keep in mind, however, that this is intended as general guidance, and not legal advice. Legal advice can only be given specific to the facts of an individual’s real-life situation, so if you have a question, please contact Tamizdat’s Artist Visa Assistance & Information Line (TamizdatAVAIL) for pro bono legal assistance.   Q: Do I […]
- [The U.S.’s announces new policy about the waiver of visa interviews](https://tamizdat.org/the-u-s-s-announces-new-policy-about-the-waiver-of-visa-interviews/): On December 23, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an immediate expansion of its policy permitting U.S. consulates to waive in-person interviews for some visa applicants. When granted, the waiver allows qualified visa applicants to apply for their visa by mailing in their passport instead of appearing in person for an interview after the visa petition has been approved by USCIS. Individuals seeking H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visas MIGHT be eligible for this interview waiver under the following conditions: The individual’s I-129 visa petition has already been approved by USCIS at the time they submit […]
- [U.S. reverses travel restrictions banning travel from some African countries](https://tamizdat.org/u-s-reverses-travel-restrictions-banning-travel-from-some-african-countries/): Effective midnight on Dec. 31, The Biden/Harris administration reversed restrictions imposed in November to combat the spread of the Omicron variant, banning air travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. The restriction suspended entry into the U.S. for individuals who were physically present in the eight named countries during the 14-day period preceding attempted entry into the U.S. The region’s leaders had denounced the ban as unfair, discriminatory and unnecessary. Like previous COVID-19 travel bans, the restrictions did not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain immediate family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and non-citizens […]
- [U.S. Announces New Travel Restrictions In Response to Omicron Variant](https://tamizdat.org/new-u-s-travel-ban-issued-in-response-to-omicron-variant/): Effective November 29, 2021, the Biden Administration has announced a new travel ban restricting air travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. In announcing the omicron variant, the World Health Organization has labeled it a “variant of concern.” The restriction suspends entry into the US for all individuals who were physically present in the eight named countries during the 14-day period preceding attempted entry into the United States. The restrictions do not apply to American citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain immediate family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and noncitizens who are members […]
- [White House to Ease COVID Travel Restrictions Starting in November](https://tamizdat.org/white-house-to-ease-covid-travel-restrictions-starting-in-november/): The Biden/Harris administration announced this morning that it will ease travel restrictions to the U.S. in “early November;” no specific date has been announced yet. The new rules will allow vaccinated foreign nationals to travel, provided they can show proof of being fully vaccinated, take a pre-departure Covid-19 test within three days of their flight, and show proof of a negative result before boarding. This forthcoming policy will likely replace the current need for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for most fully vaccinated travelers from the UK, Ireland, Schengen Area, China, Brazil, Iran, South Africa, and India.  However, we are not […]
- [Webinar: U.S. Artist Visas and International Travel in the Age of COVID](https://tamizdat.org/webinar-u-s-artist-visas-and-international-travel-in-the-age-of-covid/):   After more than a year of canceled, postponed, or reimagined performances, U.S. arts organizations, presenters, and agents have resumed programming and planning for the 2021-22 season, only to find the U.S. is not quite ready to open our borders for all international artists. In this free 75-minute webinar, experts from Tamizdat and the hosts of ArtistsfromAbroad.org – the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and the League of American Orchestras – describe what it takes to secure U.S. artist visas and navigate COVID-19 travel restrictions right now. We also cover what the current and long-term policy environment means for seeking more equitable […]
- [Good News! USCIS Rolls Back Anti-Artist Visa Rules](https://tamizdat.org/good-news-uscis-rolls-back-anti-artist-visa-rules/): For once, we have good news! You may recall that in early 2019, the previous administration announced two deeply anti-artist visa rule changes: They cancelled the “traditional expedite,” a service that (occasionally) allowed nonprofit organizations to seek expedited processing of O and P visa petitions without having to pay the $2500 “Premium Processing” fee, and They announced that USCIS would no longer be obliged to issue a “Request for Evidence” prior to the denial of a petition, even in situations of good faith clerical errors. For the last two years, Tamizdat, in collaboration with the League of American Orchestras and other stakeholders in the arts, […]
- [Performing Arts Community Emphasizes International Cultural Exchange in response to the NEA’s Call for Public Comment on its Strategic Plan](https://tamizdat.org/performing-arts-community-emphasizes-international-cultural-exchange/): We, the below-signed U.S. arts organizations, submit the following in response to the Call for Public Comment on the National Endowment for the Arts Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026:  In redrafting its mission and vision statements, we strongly recommend that the NEA use its resources to ensure that all Americans have access to the depth and breadth of our world’s culture.  Our nation’s already profound struggle with racism and xenophobia has been compounded over the last few years by the physical isolation of the United States due to the prior administration’s policies and the COVID-19 crisis. As the live arts sector […]
- [The Trump-era public charge rule is dead](https://tamizdat.org/the-trump-era-public-charge-rule-is-dead/): Trump-era public charge rule no longer in effect, and foreign nationals in legal status in the U.S. may now make use of certain public assistance programs, including SNAP (“food stamps”) and Medicaid, without fear of negative immigration repercussions. On March 9, 2021, DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that the government will no longer defend the 2019 public charge rule. “The 2019 public charge rule was not in keeping with our nation’s values. It penalized those who access health benefits and other government services available to them,” said DHS Secretary Mayorkas. As a result of the government’s decision and actions […]
- [Tamizdat's Tax Policy Advocacy Pays Off - CWA Income Requirement Temporarily Lifted](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdats-tax-policy-advocacy-pays-fff-cwa-income-requirement-temporarily-lifted/): Good news! (Go figure!) Two years ago, the IRS made a new rule, the impact of which was to hugely increase the effective tax withholding on low earning and independent foreign performing artists. After two years of advocacy by Tamizdat, The League of American Orchestras, and CWA Management, with support from the NEA, the IRS suspended the rule on January 4, 2021: Now foreign performers do not need to make a minimum $10,000 to be eligible for a Central Withholding Agreement. They say this is a “temporary” waiver. It’s all very mysterious. For more info see post on IRS website […]
- [U.S. VISA FEE INCREASE BLOCKED BY COURT](https://tamizdat.org/u-s-visa-fee-increase-blocked-by-court/): It’s been a dizzying few months in the world of U.S. immigration. The latest whiplash-inducing event occurred last Tuesday night when a court blocked USCIS’s planned fee increases and other unwelcome changes, about which we notified you earlier. This is good news, but it may be temporary. USCIS was set to raise the filing fees for most visa petitions and applications, impose additional costs for groups larger than 25, and increase the processing time for its Premium Processing expediting service starting October 2. However, on September 29th a federal court issued a ruling that prevents USCIS from implementing these changes […]
- [UPDATE to Tamizdat’s Guide to New Public Charge Rules & Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Visa Status](https://tamizdat.org/update-to-tamizdats-guide-to-new-public-charge-rules-unemployment-benefits-maintenance-of-visa-status-2/): What Artists Need to Know About the Status of the New Public Charge Rules & Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Visa Status 1.5 NOTE: This advisory, dated September 16, 2020, supersedes all prior “public charge” advisories from Tamizdat.    On February 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) put new rules into effect that expand the U.S. government’s power to deny visa petitions and applications of some foreign nationals whom they think are likely to become reliant on public benefits in the U.S. Since then, there has been a […]
- [Update regarding US visa fee increases and travel restrictions](https://tamizdat.org/us-visa-fee-increases-and-travel-restrictions/): USCIS fee increases and other changes Effective October 2, USCIS is raising the filing fees for most visa petitions and applications. The fee for O petitions, which is currently $460, will increase to $705. The fee for P petitions, which is currently $460, will increase to $695. There will also be new additional costs for groups larger than 25. At the same time, the processing time for USCIS’s optional Premium Processing expediting service (which costs an additional $1440 per petition) is increasing from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. Lastly, while the fees for green card applications have only […]
- [Tamizdat creates Know Your Rights Guide to Protesting for Non-U.S. Citizens](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-creates-know-your-rights-guide-to-protesting-for-non-u-s-citizens/): In the U.S., the rights of freedom of speech and freedom to assemble are at the foundation of artistic expression, and at the core of our right to publicly protest for political and social change. But many non-citizens who are in the U.S. are unclear about what rights they have to participate in political demonstrations. Right now, the voices of everyone in America need to be part of the conversation. This is why Tamizdat, CoveyLaw, Artistic Freedom Initiative, and PEN America have collaborated to create this critical guide, “Going To Protests when you’re not a U.S. Citizen (What you need to know).”  This guide in jpeg […]
- [UPDATE to Tamizdat's Guide to New Public Charge Rules & Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Visa Status](https://tamizdat.org/update-to-tamizdats-guide-to-new-public-charge-rules-unemployment-benefits-maintenance-of-visa-status/): What Artists Need to Know About the Status of the New Public Charge Rules & Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Visa Status 8/19/2020 – this advisory supersedes all prior “public charge” advisories from Tamizdat. In July, a federal court ruled that the use of public healthcare and other public benefits would not trigger the new “public charge” rules during the COVID-19 national health emergency nationwide. Now, a higher court has limited that ruling to New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. What happened? On July 29, 2020, a New York federal court issued an injunction that blocked the U.S. government from enforcing the new […]
- [New Public Charge Rules Suspended During Pandemic](https://tamizdat.org/new-public-charge-rules-suspended-during-pandemic/): The federal courts ruled that the use of public healthcare and other public benefits will not trigger the new “public charge” rules during the COVID-19 national health emergency. In his order, Judge George Daniels stated the rule “has demonstrably failed the first real world test of its application.” Late yesterday, July 29, 2020, a New York federal court blocked the U.S. government from enforcing the new “public charge” rules. These rules, implemented in February 2020, made it easier for the government to deny people visas and green cards because they think a person might become reliant on public benefits in […]
- [Tamizdat publishes a guide to the legalities of live streaming.](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-publishes-a-guide-to-the-legalities-of-live-streaming/): In collaboration with JioSaavn, Big Room, CoveyLaw, and Folk Alliance, Tamizdat has published “The Legal Landscape of Live Streaming.” (click link to download PDF) This essential guide resulted from our April 21 webinar of the same name. This webinar, presented by the Alliance for Performing Arts Conferences (APAC), featured a discussion of the legal realities surrounding live streamed concerts & the video of it may be viewed here. The discussion ranged from copyright restrictions to contractual considerations, royalty recuperation and licensing agreements, Join three experts in the field as they share their knowledge about this rapidly expanding practice and what […]
- [Tamizdat supports artists at risk under new public charge rules.](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-provides-support-to-artists-at-risk-under-new-public-charge-rules/): Last February the U.S. government implemented new rules expanding the its power to deny visas to foreign nationals who have used or whom they think are likely to become reliant on public support services in the U.S. These policy changes put at risk many international artists working in the U.S., and that risk has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as out-of-work artists resort to services like unemployment insurance and Medicaid. In response, Tamizdat is providing two new resources to aid international artists who have questions about how their use of U.S. public services could impact their visa status: […]
- [TamizdatAVAIL now provides pro bono legal assistance  with live streaming questions.](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdatavail-now-provides-pro-bono-legal-assistance-with-live-streaming-questions/): As the performing arts are rapidly transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic, artists and arts professionals are pivoting to new media to stay connected with audiences and with each other. But as we turn to technology to fill a void left by shuttered venues, it can be hard to figure out what is an opportunity, and what is a risk. TamizdatAVAIL is responding by expanding the scope of its pro bono legal assistance program to cover questions artists and arts professionals may have about live streaming performing arts content. If you have general legal questions about live streaming rights, royalties, reporting, […]
- [TamizdatAVAIL provides pro bono guidance regarding public charge rules.](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdatavail-provides-pro-bono-guidance-regarding-public-charge-rules/): In February the U.S. government implemented new rules expanding the U.S. government’s power to deny visa petitions and applications of certain foreign nationals whom they think are likely to become reliant on public benefits in the U.S.  The risk to international artists of receiving the “public charge” designation has increased in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as artists who are in the U.S. for long term engagements that have been canceled for the foreseeable future may seek out healthcare, unemployment, and other public benefits. In response to the U.S. government’s expanded “public charge” rules, TamizdatAVAIL has expanded its pro […]
- [Trump backs off from plan to suspend issuing visas, but may temporarily suspend issuing green cards. ](https://tamizdat.org/trump-backs-off-from-plan-to-suspend-issuing-visas-but-may-temporarily-suspend-issuing-green-cards/): The White House incited widespread panic Monday, April 20, when President Trump tweeted that he planned to suspend the issuing of all visas and green cards.  Tuesday, April 21, however, he backed off, saying that he only planned to suspend the issuing of green cards, and that the suspension would last for sixty days. Of course, US consulates all around the world—where immigrant visas are issued—are closed and unlikely to reopen for sixty days.  As such, the only new development here is that applications for green cards made within the U.S. may now be suspended for 60 days. As such, it appears […]
- [Trump tweets that he will halt immigration.](https://tamizdat.org/trump-tweets-he-will-halt-immigration/): On Monday, April 20, President Trump tweeted that he intends to suspend legal immigration to the U.S. indefinitely. In typical fashion, the White House has declined to issue any details, preferring to instill panic across the American economy which is massively reliant on skilled and unskilled foreign labor.  At the present time, nothing more is known about his plans, though it’s very hard to imagine how a move to suspend issuing temporary work visas and green cards would not elicit significant legal challenges.
- [Advocacy on COVID-19-related artist visa issues](https://tamizdat.org/advocacy-on-covid-19-related-artist-visa-issues/): With the broad endorsement of the international performing arts community, Tamizdat and the The League of American Orchestras are sending an advisory to USCIS and Department of State, requesting assistance for arts organizations and international artists whose visas have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. See the brief here.
- [FAQ: Artist mobility to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic](https://tamizdat.org/faq-artist-mobility-to-the-u-s-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-2/): The impact of the COVID-19 virus is having a massive impact on artist mobility. USCIS is still processing petitions, but US embassies are not processing visas. Premium Processing is suspended. For the most current information please see CoveyLaw’s FAQ: Artist Mobility to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic
- [FAQ: Artist mobility to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic](https://tamizdat.org/faq-artist-mobility-to-the-u-s-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/): The impact of the COVID-19 virus is having a massive impact on artist mobility. USCIS is still processing petitions, but US embassies are not processing visas. Premium Processing is suspended. For the most current information please see CoveyLaw’s FAQ: Artist Mobility to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic
- [Artist mobility FAQs regarding SXSW’s Cancellation](https://tamizdat.org/artist-mobility-faqs-regarding-sxsws-cancellation/): With the cancellation of SXSW, artists and industry are scrambling to adjust their plans. Not surprisingly, we are hearing lots of questions about what people can and cannot do. The following FAQ is Tamizdat’s guidance regarding visa and immigration issues (We are not going to address the question of whether—from a health point of view—it’s wise to travel internationally right now). If you have further questions, please feel free to contact avail@tamizdat.org for pro bono assistance.  Artist Mobility Questions regarding SXSW’s Cancellation March 9, 2020, 4:00 EST   SXSW was part of U.S. tour for which I secured P or O visa. With the cancellation of SXSW […]
- [U.S. expands travel ban, impacting immigrant artists](https://tamizdat.org/u-s-expands-travel-ban/): President Trump’s 2017 Presidential Proclamations limited travel to the U.S. by nationals from seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, with restrictions on North Koreans and Venezuelans being added later. Friday, additional restrictions were added on nationals from Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. The new restrictions only suspend immigrant travel to the U.S.; they do not have any impact on nationals traveling to the U.S. temporarily for work, study, or tourism. Why have Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania been added to the list of restricted countries, and how will people be affected? The […]
- [Iranian artists subjected to heightened scrutiny at U.S. borders](https://tamizdat.org/iranian-nationals-subjected-to-heightened-scrutiny-at-u-s-borders-1-6-2020/): Presumably in response to world events of the last few days, we are seeing reports of U.S. Customs And Border Protection officers subjecting Iranian nationals and individuals of Iranian descent to prolonged questioning at U.S. ports of entry. We have not received reports of detentions or denials of entry. The delays are being reported here by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Performing artists who are Iranian nationals or individuals of Iranian descent should anticipate delays entering the U.S., especially at land crossings. 
- [USCIS's new visa petition form blocked by federal court](https://tamizdat.org/usciss-new-i-129-stayed-by-federal-court/): In the kind of legal whiplash that has become the norm, USCIS’s new form for filing for an artist work visa petition has been stayed by a Federal Court injunction. October 2, USCIS released of a new version of the I-129 form, adding fields requiring disclosure of Public Benefits information. It also announced that the new form be used for all petitions received on or after September 8. (Normally, when USCIS releases a new form the public is given month to comply, and sometimes years to phase out the prior form. Given the holiday on Monday, the public was given […]
- [The mobility of UK-bound EU performers will not immediately be impacted by Brexit.](https://tamizdat.org/the-mobility-of-uk-bound-eu-performers-will-not-immediately-be-impacted-by-brexit/): In the recent weeks, the UK Home Office has offered assurances that under a unilateral decision (not reliant on a deal) the mobility rules governing UK-bound EU performing artists will remain essentially “as is” until (at least) December 31, 2020. This rule has now been written into Appendix EU which is contained in the immigration rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-eu. To find the relevant passage, click on “Annex 1 – Definitions” and scroll down to “specified date” and look at part (b) “if the United Kingdom withdraws from the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement;” the date and time have now been put […]
- [USCIS’s revised public charge rule will negatively impact international artist mobility to the U.S](https://tamizdat.org/usciss-revised-public-charge-rule-will-negatively-impact-international-artist-mobility-to-the-u-s/): On August 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new rule that would expand USCIS’s power to deny certain immigration benefits to foreign nationals who DHS thinks are likely to become reliant on public benefits in the U.S. Under the new rule, USCIS will use a complex test to determine whether a foreign national is likely to become a “public charge.” (For additional details, see this Immigration League Resource Center statement.) Unless the rule is blocked by litigation (several lawsuits have already been filed), it will go into effect on October 15, 2019. It is important to […]
- [I.R.S. Seeks Comment on New Artist-Friendly Program](https://tamizdat.org/i-r-s-seeks-comments-on-new-foreign-artist-friendly-program/): Last autumn the The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created a new rule that bars foreign artists who earn less than $10,000 per year in the U.S. from the “Central Withholding Agreement” program, making it harder for them to manage the tax withholding on their U.S. earnings. The impact of this rule-change was to significantly damage tour cashflow for developing, independent, and non-commercial artists; this has resulted in numerous tours being cancelled, and artists being dropped from agencies. Last November, Tamizdat, CWA Management, and The League of American Orchestras, with the support of the NEA and the members of the […]
- [ISM Conducts Study of UK-Bound Musician Visa Issues](https://tamizdat.org/ism-conducts-study-of-uk-bound-musician-mobility-issues/): The ISM, the UK’s professional body for musicians, is currently running a survey to find out more about the experiences of musicians from non-EU/EEA countries visiting the UK to perform, compose, or promote their music. We are researching the process of applying for different visas to visit the UK as there have been many problems reported recently for non-UK/EU artists coming to the UK to perform, especially at festivals such as Edinburgh International Festival and WOMAD. Please complete the form here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/W66MX8L
- [I.R.S. Announces Plan for Simplified CWA](https://tamizdat.org/good-news-irs-announces-plan-for-simplified-cwa-more-details-soon/): The IRS will soon announce details regarding a much-anticipated change in the Central Withholding Agreement Program. The IRS has just released the following announcement: “The IRS Central Withholding Agreement (CWA) program will be offering a new simplified application process for applicants earning less than $10,000. There will be a simplified CWA application Form 13930-A that applicants will complete to apply for the simplified process. Under the new process, applicants earning less than $10,000 would be eligible to apply for a CWA. The Form 13930-A is scheduled to be released in draft form for public comment shortly.” Background: The CWA program […]

## Pages

- [office hours](https://tamizdat.org/office-hours/): Office Hours Each month, you will be able to find the latest recording of our ongoing “Office Hours” virtual meeting series below: December 2025 [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXs-If0BKCs[/embedyt] In December’s session we’ll be discussing current hot topics and trends around the EB-1 green card for artists/creatives/entertainers and those supporting these industries. Leading this session will be Partner Amanda Gupta and Associate JR Strauss from CoveyLaw’s General Immigration Team. Questions addressed include: How do you qualify for the green card of extraordinary ability? If you’re on an O-1 now, when is a good time to start the EB-1 process? Is it harder to […]
- [Tamizdat Access Fund](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdat-access-fund/): Introducing the Tamizdat Access Fund Now more than ever, we need the world’s voices. International artists’ songs and stories are essential—they are the embodiment of cultural exchange, and are a bulwark against xenophobia, racism, and isolationism. But the economics of touring in the US has become increasingly difficult. And skyrocketing visa fees are shutting out many international artists, inhibiting venue curators, and robbing audiences of rich cultural experiences. Tamizdat has advocated for international artist mobility for decades, alleviating the burdens of the prohibitively complex US visa system through our advocacy work, our petitioner services, and our pro bono legal assistance […]
- [testimonials](https://tamizdat.org/testimonials/): Testimonials “ Tamizdat is an invaluable resource to our field, particularly in a time fraught with politicized approaches to immigration and individuals with certain nationalities being unjustly targeted with cumbersome and often arbitrary restrictions. As a non-profit organization, the services provided by Tamizdat allow us to invest more in supporting international artists (many making their debut appearances in the US) rather than in legal fees and consultations. ” — Caleb Hammons (he/they), Director of Artistic Planning and Producing, Fisher Center at Bard “ As a leader of a small nonprofit theatre, I often find myself in need of experts in […]
- [Fee Increase for Consular Processing](https://tamizdat.org/fee-increase-for-consular-processing/): U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced it is raising the consular processing fee for O and P visa applications from $190 to $205. The final rule and fee increase will go into effect on May 30, 2023. You may recall that when the government first announced its proposal to raise consular fees to $310 over a year ago, Tamizdat in collaboration with the Performing Arts Visa Working Group publicly commented on and objected to the proposal, resulting in a much lower increase than originally proposed. More detail from Artists From Abroad: The U.S. Department of State has published a final […]
- [employment](https://tamizdat.org/employment/): Employment Opportunities at Tamizdat       There are no current openings at this time.              
- [Arts Sector Comments on DHS Fee Proposal 2023](https://tamizdat.org/arts-sector-comments-on-dhs-fee-proposal/):   To download the PDF below, click here.  
- [FAQ: U.S. Visas and Immigration Options for At-Risk Artists, Writers, and Scholars](https://tamizdat.org/faq-options-for-at-risk-artists-writers-and-scholars/):   To download the PDF below, click here.  
- [Update on Proposed Fee increases for US artist visas](https://tamizdat.org/update-on-proposed-fee-increases-for-us-artist-visas/): Update (with footnotes!) on the Proposed Fee increase for US Artist Visas In the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of press coverage of USCIS’s proposed fee increases as of 1/4/2023. We write today to talk about the proposal – which has EXTENDED its public comment period through 3/13/2023 – what it means to the arts, what is being done to resist its approval, and what you can do to help the effort.  What is the proposal? The government has proposed the following changes: The USCIS filing fee for P petitions would increase by 251% (from $460 […]
- [Recommendations for Performing Arts Visa Policy](https://tamizdat.org/recommendations-for-performing-arts-visa-policy/):   Download the Recommendations for Performing Arts Visa Policy PDF here.  
- [About ARMMR](https://tamizdat.org/armmr-about/)
- [ARMMR Admin](https://tamizdat.org/armmr-admin/)
- [ARMMR - The At Risk Musician Mentoring Resource](https://tamizdat.org/armmr/)
- [Donor Dashboard](https://tamizdat.org/donor-dashboard/)
- [Public Charge and Unemployment Benefits / Maintenance of Status Advisory 1.5](https://tamizdat.org/public-charge-and-unemployment-benefits-maintenance-of-status-advisory-1-5/)
- [Know Your Rights guide downloads](https://tamizdat.org/know-your-rights-guide-downloads/):   Tamizdat creates Know Your Rights Guide to Protesting for Non-U.S. Citizens  In the U.S., the rights of freedom of speech and freedom to assemble are at the foundation of artistic expression, and at the core of our right to publicly protest for political and social change. But many non-citizens who are in the U.S. are unclear about what rights they have to participate in political demonstrations. Right now, the voices of everyone in America need to be part of the conversation. This is why  Tamizdat, CoveyLaw, Artistic Freedom Initiative, and PEN America have collaborated to create this critical guide, “Going To Protests when you’re not […]
- [Update to Tamizdat's Guide to the New Public Charge Rules & Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Visa Status](https://tamizdat.org/update-to-tamizdats-guide-to-the-new-public-charge-rules-unemployment-benefits-maintenance-of-visa-status/):   © Tamizdat, 8/19/2020 – this advisory supersedes all prior “public charge” advisories from Tamizdat. What Artists Need to Know About the Status of the New Public Charge Rules & Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Visa Status In July, a federal court ruled that the use of public healthcare and other public benefits would not trigger the new “public charge” rules during the COVID-19 national health emergency nationwide. Now, a higher court has limited that ruling to New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. What happened? On July 29, 2020, a New York federal court issued an injunction that blocked the U.S. government from […]
- [7-30-2020](https://tamizdat.org/7-30-2020/): Download 7/30/2020 statement here:        Tamizdat’s Public Charge Injunction Statement       
- [8-5-2020](https://tamizdat.org/8-5-2020/): Download 8/05/2020 Update Here:   Public Charge and Unemployment Benefits/Maintenance of Status Advisory 1.3       
- [8-19-2020](https://tamizdat.org/5967-2/): Download 8/19/2020 Update Here:       Public Charge and Unemployment Benefits_Maintenance of Status Advisory 1.4       
- [4-28-2020](https://tamizdat.org/4-28-2020/): Download 4/28/2020 Update Here:        What Artists Need to Know about the New Public Charge Rules       
- [visa advisories & public comments](https://tamizdat.org/visa-advisories-public-comments/):   Public Comments – click links to read, and download a PDF.  8/15/2023 | [Revised] Recommendations for Performing Arts Visa Policy (aka “Collective Asks”) 3/13/2023 | Arts Sector Comments on DHS Fee Proposal 2023 (aka “PAVWG / Performing Arts Visa Working Group submission to the Public Register”) 10/18/2022 | FAQ: U.S. Visas and Immigration Options for At Risk Artists Writers and Scholars 2/16/2021 |  “Public Statement on Extreme Vetting & DS-5535”   COVID-19 Pandemic Requests – click links to read, and download a PDF.  1/29/2021 | Request for Accommodation by USCIS In Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic From the U.S. Cultural Sector […]
- [What Artists Need to Know About The New Public Charge Rules](https://tamizdat.org/what-artists-need-to-know-about-the-new-public-charge-rules/): What Artists Need to Know About The New Public Charge Rules ©Tamizdat, 2020 Last Updated May 6, 2020 Introduction On February 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) put new rules into effect that expand the U.S. government’s power to deny the visa petitions and applications of some foreign nationals whom they think are likely to become reliant on public benefits in the U.S. How does the Public Charge Rule work? In enforcing this rule, USCIS now requires many visa applicants to answer additional questions on the I-129 […]
- [Arts Request to USCIS](https://tamizdat.org/arts-request-to-uscis/)
- [mailing list](https://tamizdat.org/mailing-list/):   Sign up for email updates from Tamizdat:                  
- [Give to SHIM NYC](https://tamizdat.org/give-to-shim-nyc/): Support SHIM:NYC Your donation will help SHIM:NYC continue.
- [Donation History](https://tamizdat.org/donation-history/)
- [Donation Failed](https://tamizdat.org/donation-failed/): We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donation Confirmation](https://tamizdat.org/donation-confirmation/)
- [raam](https://tamizdat.org/raam/): SHIM NYC’s first resident will be renowned Iranian/Canadian musician, Raam. Raam started his musical career as the singer/songwriter/founder of Hypernova, a post-punk band born in the Tehran undergroundof the early 2000’s. A politically active singer, he joined protests and wrote songs that spoke out against the government. Raam launched his solo career as King Raam in Toronto in 2011 with Songs of the Wolves, a personal and sincere album of love and loss. With the help of Persian poet/author/filmmaker Tara Aghdashloo, who wrote lyrics for the album, Raam expanded his musical horizons singing in his native Persian language for the […]
- [SHIM:NYC](https://tamizdat.org/shim-nyc/): Safe Haven Incubator for Musicians: NYC SHIM:NYC is creative and professional residency and mentorship program for international musicians who are persecuted or censored for their work; are threatened on the basis of their political or religious affiliations, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity; have been forcibly displaced; need a respite from dangerous situations; or are from countries experiencing active, violent conflict. SHIM:NYC offers these artists legal aid, resettlement assistance, professional development, financial assistance, and other services. Our program is a collaboration between Artistic Freedom Initiative, Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, and Tamizdat. SHIM:NYC is part of the larger The […]
- [credits](https://tamizdat.org/credits/): Photo credits: Main home page photo ©2017 Efram Photography Home page section photos: L’Orchestre Afrisa International et Mbilia Bel; photo credit Kevin Yatarola Raam; photo credit Amin Haghshenas Law research by Liz Moller; photo credit Boo Froebel Attaque 77 playing in Junin de los Andes, Argentina; photo credit Fede Gregorio Matthew Covey speaking at Fair Art Festival 2019; photo credit Michal Adamovsky / Fair Art British band Yuck at SXSW 2017; photo credit Jay Janner / Austin American-Statesman
- [upcoming events (old)](https://tamizdat.org/upcoming-events/): Upcoming Events 21-24 September 2023: Matthew Covey at Reeperbahn Festival Conference, Legal Mentoring Sessions 28 October 2023: Matthew Covey with Ashley Tucker of Artistic Freedom Initiative at WOMEX Conference, Supporting Artists At-Risk Networking Session
- [other resources](https://tamizdat.org/other-resources/): Artists From Abroad — for free U.S. artist visa information The definitive online source for information about the U.S. artist visa process can be found at the website, Artists from Abroad. It is the most complete and up-to-date online resource for foreign guest artists, their managers, and performing arts organizations. Immigration attorney Jonathan Ginsburg and tax expert Robyn Guilliams have authored indispensable guidance featured on this site, and we provide the forms and web links you need to steer through the process of engaging guest artists reliably, efficiently, and lawfully. The League of American Orchestras and Association of Performing Arts Professionals (formerly the Association […]
- [nova review](https://tamizdat.org/nova-review/): The Nova Review The Nova Review is a platform for conversation about the pragmatic decolonization of the culture industry. An online journal and forum, it is a space where the members and allies of the international performing arts community can share ideas and advance the intellectual and practical discourse about the work we do. Weaving together threads of thought across disciplines—artists, arts professionals, journalists, and academics—we seek to promote progressive ideas and “best praxes.” Although this type of dialogue is inherently embedded in the institutions of the Cultural and Intellectual Industries, The Nova Review seeks to critique, challenge, and present […]
- [policy projects](https://tamizdat.org/policy-projects/):   Tamizdat’s staff of lawyers and law students identify problems with U.S. government policy and procedure, and create data-based recommendations for improving Government policy and procedure. Our work provides the clearest available picture of the impact of U.S policy on the arts, and is used by both the immigration law and performing arts communities to inform policy and advocacy. White Paper on Artist Mobility to the U.S.  Starting in 2015, Tamizdat annually publishes The White Paper on Artist Mobility to the U.S., a data-driven legal analysis of the issues the international performing arts community encounters with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration […]
- [past events](https://tamizdat.org/past-events/)
- [calendar](https://tamizdat.org/calendar/)
- [government monitoring](https://tamizdat.org/government-monitoring/)
- [artist mobility updates](https://tamizdat.org/mobility-updates/)
- [supporters](https://tamizdat.org/supporters/)
- [collaborators](https://tamizdat.org/collaborators/): OnTheMove globalFEST Womex CoveyLaw SXSW League of American Orchestras Artists From Abroad Artistic Freedom Initiative
- [visa assistance](https://tamizdat.org/visa-assistance/):   From 1998 through 2015, Tamizdat Visa Services provided international performing artists with affordable, reliable, and artist-friendly assistance with the U.S. artist visa process, helping tens of thousands of international performers tour in the U.S. legally and affordably. In 2015, Tamizdat’s visa service migrated to our affiliated law firm, CoveyLaw, which continues Tamizdat’s commitment to providing affordable assistance to the performing artists community, but as a law firm CoveyLaw can more effectively advocate on its clients’ behalf, while addressing a broader range of client issues. This reorganization has allowed Tamizdat to focus on broader issues of cultural mobility, including advocacy, […]
- [litigation](https://tamizdat.org/litigation/)
- [artist mobility forum](https://tamizdat.org/artist-mobility-forum/)
- [events & outreach](https://tamizdat.org/events-and-outreach/): Conference Sessions Every year, Tamizdat provides educational sessions at international professional events and conferences. Covering topics including U.S. artist mobility, cultural exchange and diversity, and strategies for mobility advocacy, Tamizdat’s staff and affiliates have presented at SXSW (TX), CMJ (NY), Nyege Nyege (UG), WOMEX (ES, DK, GR, PL, UK, FI), Folk Alliance International (KS), Arts Midwest, (MN), APAP (NY), MU:KON (KR), RHI (PT), Arts Live International (SA), Ireland Music Week (IR), The Great Escape (UK), M4Music (CH), YouBloom (IR), Swn (UK), MaMA (FR), ArtsLink Assembly (NY), ISPA (NY), Reeperbahn (DE), MICC (CA), Circulart (CO), Alliance of Artist Communities (MN), Music […]
- [advocacy & research](https://tamizdat.org/advocacy/): Research Since 2015, Tamizdat’s staff of lawyers and law students has collected and analyzed data regarding thousands of U.S. visa cases where problems were encountered by the international performing arts community. This data provides the clearest available picture of the impact of U.S visa policy on the arts, and is used by both the immigration law community and the performing arts community to inform policy and advocacy. White Paper Starting in 2015, Tamizdat has published regular updates to The White Paper on Artist Mobility to the U.S., a data-driven legal analysis of the issues the international performing arts community encounters […]
- [people](https://tamizdat.org/people/): Staff Matthew Covey, Executive Director Covey has devoted his professional career to helping artists build bridges between international communities. Following his studies in literature and music (BA Oberlin College) and post-colonial theory (MA UCD Ireland), Covey moved to Slovakia where he co-founded the critically acclaimed US/Slovak indie-rock band Skulpey. After relocations to Dublin and then New York, Covey worked as a festival talent-buyer before running Knitting Factory Records’ Amsterdam booking agency. In 1998 he co-launched Tamizdat and managed its Prague operation for three years before returning to New York to become the manager of Grammy Award winning band, The Klezmatics. […]
- [news](https://tamizdat.org/news/)
- [programs](https://tamizdat.org/programs/)
- [support](https://tamizdat.org/support/)
- [about](https://tamizdat.org/about/): Mission Tamizdat is a nonprofit organization that facilitates and advocates for international artist mobility and cultural exchange. Driven by the conviction that the international mobility and exchange of culture is fundamental to a healthy and progressive civil society, Tamizdat seeks through its program activities to assist the international performing arts community to address problems presented by international borders, and U.S. visa policies and procedures. History Tamizdat is a Brooklyn-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that facilitates international cultural exchange. Founded in 1998 by the members of the musical group, “Skulpey”, Tamizdat has been involved with a wide range of activities aimed at […]
- [donate-internal](https://tamizdat.org/coveylawdonations/):       Support Tamizdat and help us support international cultural mobility! Please click here to donate now:      
- [donate](https://tamizdat.org/donate/): Support Tamizdat and help us support cultural mobility and exchange! Please click below to donate now. NOTE: If you reach a blank page at PayPal, just refresh your screen and you should reach the donate page for Tamizdat. To Donate Online click here:   To Donate by Mail: Make check payable to “Tamizdat” and mail to: Tamizdat Attn: Mars Dietz 20 Jay Street., Suite 824 Brooklyn, NY 11201   Tamizdat, Inc. is a nonprofit organization under Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.  
- [](https://tamizdat.org/comment-6-1-18/): Comments submitted regarding the U.S. Department of State’s proposed changes to the DS-160 Visa Application form:
- [Theatre & Resistance Schedule](https://tamizdat.org/theatre-resistance-schedule/): Schedule: 8:30-9:00 Registration & Coffee 9:00-9:20 Introductions 9:20-10:30 Case Studies: “What are we doing?” Sue Hamilton & Jessica Litwak, (Artists Rise Up LA/NY) Issa Nyaphaga (Radio Taboo, Cameroon) Dijana Milosevic (Dah Theater, Serbia) Soulamaina (Yes Theater, Palestine, West Bank) Katy Rubin (Theatre of the Oppressed NYC, NY) Sanjoy and Sima Ganguly, (Jana Sanskriti, India) Lilly Fellman, (Arts Rights Justice, EU) Soulaiman Khatib and Chen Alon (Combatants for Peace, Israel/Palestine) Jonathan Meth, (The Fence, UK) Iman Aoun, (Ashtar Theater, Palestine, Gaza) Mia Yoo, (La Mama, NY) Derek Goldman (Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics, DC) 10:30-11:30 Artist Conversation, moderated by David […]
- [Theatre & Resistance Symposium](https://tamizdat.org/theatre-resistance-symposium/): Friday, January 12, 2018, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center, Elebash Hall, CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue This event is free & open to the public. See the Schedule HERE. Live Stream on Howlround HERE. Please register at  mestc@gc.cuny.edu. For more info contact conference@theatrewithoutborders.com. The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center, Theatre Without Borders, The H.E.A.T. Collective, and Tamizdat join forces to present a timely community conversation exploring the challenges and power of progressive activist theatre. At this cultural moment many in the arts are seeking ways to bring activism into their work; this symposium […]
- [404 - Page Not Found](https://tamizdat.org/404-page-not-found/): Well this is awkward… The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist. BACK TO HOME PAGE
- [Under Construction](https://tamizdat.org/under-construction/): Coming Soon our website is currently under construction %DDAYS %HHOURS %MMINUTES %SSECONDS
- [About Us II](https://tamizdat.org/about-us-ii/): Our Vision Vestibulum ultrices ligula sit amet augue interdum fermentum. Vestibulum sed nisi ornare, tincidunt ante et, tempus metus. Nunc pellentesque purus odio, eu dictum mi luctus vitae. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Maecenas fermentum interdum elit, vel laoreet elit ultricies quis. Nam massa nisl, bibendum ut lectus ac, sodales laoreet nibh. Praesent cursus mauris at purus volutpat ultrices. Duis in semper orci. Duis ultricies auctor pulvinar. Fusce quis orci urna. Phasellus ut velit fringilla enim ultrices varius ac et odio. Sed eleifend, ipsum eu laoreet dictum. Our Mission Vestibulum elit massa, […]
- [Project List - 1 Column](https://tamizdat.org/project-list-1-column/): EU Technology Summit Organization Organization Donec porta tortor eget eros finibus, finibus hendrerit elit venenatis faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere. Tech Drones Lansman Lansman Sed risus tellus, malesuada et accumsan vitae, aliquet eget nisl. Duis semper quis neque a sollicitudin. ABC Bank Staff Training Training Sed risus tellus, malesuada et accumsan vitae, aliquet eget nisl. Duis semper quis neque a sollicitudin. B-Capital Finacial Training Training Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Wonder VR Lansman Lansman Donec porta tortor eget eros finibus, finibus hendrerit elit venenatis neque a sollicitudin. 1 2
- [Projects](https://tamizdat.org/projects/): SORT PROJECTS ALL Lansman Organization Research Seminar Training EU Technology Summit Organization EU Technology Summit Organization Organization Donec porta tortor eget eros finibus, finibus hendrerit elit venenatis faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere. Tech Drones Lansman Tech Drones Lansman Lansman Sed risus tellus, malesuada et accumsan vitae, aliquet eget nisl. Duis semper quis neque a sollicitudin. ABC Bank Staff Training ABC Bank Staff Training Training Sed risus tellus, malesuada et accumsan vitae, aliquet eget nisl. Duis semper quis neque a sollicitudin. B-Capital Finacial Training B-Capital Finacial Training Training Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Wonder VR Lansman Wonder […]
- [Blog - Grid](https://tamizdat.org/blog-grid/): Jun 27, 2017 Global Automative Market Grows to $600 billion by RT-Themes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin sed diam sapien. Sed semper urna dictum tellus lacinia vehicula. Ut volutpat, augue vel auctor tincidunt, ligula sem pharetra dui, nec tincidunt ante mauris eu diam. Phasellus viverra nis… Continue reading Jun 27, 2017 Industrial Innovation and Design Exhibitions of 2017 by RT-Themes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin sed diam sapien. Sed semper urna dictum tellus lacinia vehicula. Ut volutpat, augue vel auctor tincidunt, ligula sem pharetra dui, nec tincidunt ante mauris eu diam. Phasellus […]
- [Blog - Masonry](https://tamizdat.org/blog-masonry/): Jun 27, 2017 Global Automative Market Grows to $600 billion by RT-Themes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin sed diam sapien. Sed semper urna dictum tellus lacinia vehicula. Ut volutpat, augue vel auctor tincidunt, ligula sem pharetra dui, nec tincidunt ante mauris eu diam. Phasellus viverra nisl vitae cursus euismod. Suspendisse sit amet est lectus. Continue reading Jun 27, 2017 Industrial Innovation and Design Exhibitions of 2017 by RT-Themes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin sed diam sapien. Sed semper urna dictum tellus lacinia vehicula. Ut volutpat, augue vel auctor tincidunt, ligula sem pharetra […]
- [white paper coalition](https://tamizdat.org/white-paper-coalition/):   The following organizations have endorsed the White Paper on Artist Mobility to the United States: U.S. Organizations: American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) APAP/Association of Performing Arts Professionals Artistic Freedom Initiative Arts Midwest BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival CEC ArtsLink Dance Managers Collective Elsie Management Folk Alliance International Fractured Atlas globalFEST High Concept Labs Illinois Presenters Network International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) KMP Artists North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA) New Music USA New York City Center PEN America Portland Institute for Contemporary Art/PICA Rhizome Arts Consulting Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica […]
- [white paper](https://tamizdat.org/white-paper/):   Download the 2023 white paper here.   You can view the 2021 white paper here. You can view the 2020 white paper here. For the Executive Summary of the 2020 white paper, click here. You can view the 2019 white paper here.
- [Folk Alliance International questionnaire](https://tamizdat.org/fai-questionnaire/): TamizdatAVAIL is a nonprofit organization committed to keeping the US culturally diverse. We are monitoring problems that artists are encountering when entering the US, and we are very interested in the experiences international Folk Alliance-bound artists had while arriving in the US en route to Folk Alliance. If you could answer the following questions, it would really help us get a clearer picture of what is happening at US borders: Thank you so much for your help!
- [TamizdatAVAIL](https://tamizdat.org/tamizdatavail/): TamizdatAVAIL TamizdatAVAIL provides pro bono legal assistance to the members of the international performing arts community when they encounter problems with issues related to the U.S. visa and immigration systems. The program serves international performing artists and arts professionals who do not already have the representation of a lawyer. The program was launched in 2017 with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2023-2024, TamizdatAVAIL is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Artist Visa Issues: If you are an […]
- [attorney input](https://tamizdat.org/attorney-input/): Tamizdat AVAIL Attorney Wrap-Up Survey
- [case intake](https://tamizdat.org/case-intake/): Tamizdat AVAIL Case Intake Form Tamizdat staff will contact you within 48 hours. If you have questions, please email avail@tamizdat.org.
- [client satisfaction survey](https://tamizdat.org/client-satisfaction-survey/): Tamizdat AVAIL Client Satisfaction Survey We’d love to hear your feedback about how you felt about Tamizdat AVAIL’s assistance. Please take a few minutes to tell us about your experience. We really appreciate your feedback — it helps us to ensure that our hotline best serves the needs of callers. Thank you!  
- [tell your story](https://tamizdat.org/tell-your-story/): TamizdatAVAIL: Tell Your Story If you’ve experienced a problem during processing of a P or O visa in the past, please fill out the below information describing what happened in your case. Gathering information on problems experienced in completed cases helps us to identify and analyze trends so that we can work to prevent other artists from experiencing the same issues. Thank you for sharing your visa problem story with AVAIL. A member of the AVAIL legal team will contact you if we have questions or additional information would be beneficial.
- [research](https://tamizdat.org/research/): Tamizdat Research: Tamizdat’s staff of lawyers and law students collects and analyzes data regarding U.S. visa issues encountered by the international performing arts community, and makes its findings and recommendations available to government and advocacy organizations. PLEASE TELL US YOUR ARTIST VISA PROBLEM STORY! If you experienced a major problem during the visa process, we need to know so we can try to make sure that problem doesn’t happen again! If you have a “visa problem” story, whether the visa was ultimately approved or denied, we’d love to discuss it with you! Your information will help us to identify and […]
- [home](https://tamizdat.org/): Tamizdat is a nonprofit organization that facilitates and advocates for international cultural mobility and exchange. Driven by the conviction that the international mobility and exchange of culture is fundamental to a healthy and progressive civil society, Tamizdat seeks through its program activities to assist the international performing arts community in addressing problems presented by international borders, and U.S. immigration policy and procedure. Office Hours CoveyLaw and Tamizdat have teamed up to provide monthly webinars with current updates and insights about current visa issues, and to answer community questions on the topic.   TamizdatAVAIL TamizdatAVAIL provides pro bono assistance to the […]
- [who we are](https://tamizdat.org/who-we-are/): In 1998, a group of musicians founded Tamizdat as a tax-exempt non-profit with the mission of facilitating international cultural exchange. Tamizdat has been involved with a wide range of activities. We have booked festival showcases in the US and Europe, organized tours, sponsored events, and for years ran a CD distribution coalition. Early on, became clear that US visa policy is one of the most significant obstacles to international cultural exchange, so we set out to change that by establishing a sympathetic and affordable artist-oriented Visa Service designed to help performing artists to navigate the US visa system. In 2009, in order […]
- [visa services](https://tamizdat.org/visa-services/): History From 1998 through 2015, Tamizdat Visa Services provided international performing artists with affordable, reliable, and artist-friendly assistance with the U.S. artist visa process, helping tens of thousands of international performers tour in the U.S. legally and affordably. In 2015, Tamizdat’s visa service migrated to our affiliated law firm, CoveyLaw, which continues Tamizdat’s commitment to providing affordable assistance to the performing artists community, but as a law firm, can more effectively advocate on its clients’ behalf, will address a broader range of client issues. However, Tamizdat remains involved with individual cases through TamizdatAVAIL’s pro bono work, and through Tamizdat’s Petitioner […]
- [contact](https://tamizdat.org/contact/): Tamizdat 20 Jay Street, Suite #824, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Email: info@tamizdat.org Website: https://tamizdat.org Phone: (718) 254-0022 TamizdatAVAIL TamizdatAVAIL Intake Form Matthew Covey, Esq., Executive Director matthew@tamizdat.org Mars Dietz, General Manager mars@tamizdat.org Elizabeth Moller, Esq., Legal Fellow & Counsel elizabeth@tamizdat.org
- [press coverage](https://tamizdat.org/archive/): Tamizdat in the News: “Music Industry navigates “extreme vetting” of foreign artists,” NPR’s Marketplace, July 11, 2019. PDF. “Band in the USA: why’s it so hard for UK musi­cians to tour The States?”, The Face, July 15, 2019. PDF. “Trump’s ‘Extreme Vetting’ Hurts the Arts, Discourages Cultural Exchange, Experts Say”, KQED.org, June 20, 2019. PDF. “State Department ‘extreme vetting’ says no to traveling musicians“, San Francisco Chronicle, June 3, 2019. PDF. “The US lawyer helping Middle East performers break Donald Trump’s travel ban”, The National, AUE, January 15, 2019. PDF. “How Three Actors Trump’s travel ban to take to the […]


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