The title of this thread is unfortunate, as it may sound like US folkies don't welcome UK folkies. I think that nothing could be further from the truth. It is the idiodic bureaucracy that has decided to combat terrorism by putting all kinds of obstacles to performers or anyone else seeking to enter the US that is coming into play, and there isn't much that US folkies can do about it. We're just as upset as anyone else, when our favorite acts aren't able or willing to tour because of being put through such a pointless paperwork wringer. I know of several folks, Andy Irvine among them, who missed gigs due to last minute snafus with their visas, and some are deciding not to bother touring in the US at all. I also know some agents who are dismayed at all the crap they have to go through to bring people over. Some will persevere, such as the poster above, but others will decide it's just too much hassle. It's our loss, unfortunately.