Well I personally know several UK folk musicians who have decided not to tour in the US because of visa red tape. Yes, with time and money it can be sorted out but some are deciding it just isn't worth the hassle. This started after 9/11 and I really don't see the point of cracking down on touring musicians when it is supposedly terrorists the US government is trying to keep out. As has been pointed out it's easy enough to enter as a tourist if you really do have evil intentions. I also know some musicians from across the pond who would have probably gone the legal route and applied for visas which allowed them to perform, but knew it would be very difficult, complicatd and costly, and since they would only be playing small concerts they just decided to risk it and say they were coming over for a "holiday", figuring the chances of being caught gigging without the proper visa would be small. Can't say I blame them at all.

I believe this policy has made it so that we've missed out on seeing many talented musicians here in the States and really isn't benefiting anyone as far as I can tell. I am very much opposed to it and I hope it gets changed soon (but I'm not holding my breath).