House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to resolve visa complications preventing the mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha from attending his FIFA World Cup matches. Vozinha expressed disappointment that his mother could not attend due to visa issues and associated costs.
This situation highlights the challenges foreign nationals face in obtaining U.S. visas for major international events, impacting families' ability to support athletes during historic moments and raising questions about the efficiency and fairness of the visa process.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address visa complications preventing the mother of Cape Verde's World Cup goalkeeper, Vozinha, from attending his matches. Cape Verde made its World Cup debut with a 0-0 draw against Spain, a performance highlighted by Vozinha's seven saves, which earned him player of the match honors.
Jeffries stated on X that Vozinha's mother could not attend the historic match due to visa issues and expressed that no mother should miss such an event. He requested Rubio's intervention to ensure she can attend Cape Verde's next game against Uruguay.
Vozinha, 40, shared his disappointment after the match, lamenting that his mother and late grandparents could not be present. He specifically mentioned visa issues and the associated costs as reasons for his mother's inability to attend.
The State Department has been contacted for comment regarding the visa issue. The article notes that other foreign nationals, including members of the Iranian team and a Somali referee, have also faced entry denials for the World Cup, with one official citing security concerns.