Oh, where to begin? A few comments from one who has written US visa recommendation letters for a number of UK musicians over the past few years and also documented the current situation for the US folk magazine "Dirty Linen" (see issue #108).

1. It's a mess and we don't like it over here, either.

2. I don't believe that there's any specific discrimination against folkies as a group, but rather against anyone who's not a high-profile commercial artist with a big record company, big tour management, and a bank of immigration lawyers behind them.

3. "Culturally unique" is a buzzword designed to keep out cover bands and unemployable buskers and the like, but for any overseas performer who is doing creative original songs or especially traditional material from his/her culture, it's not that hard to generate the necessary verbiage to demonstrate how "unique" your work is. A few letters from venue operators and media members who appreciate your work is usually enough.

4. As Mary Katherine has noted, the downfall of many visa applications is not filing them early enough or not filling out all the necessary paperwork. You need an agent who knows the system over here and how to work through it. As a practical matter, that is essential these days.

5. Criminal convictions and the like do pose a problem, but I do not believe that having political opinions is in itself a bar to visa issuance. Of course if you make a royal pain of yourself by proclaiming how set-upon you are to the bureaucrat handling your papers, he/she may be less inclined to move things along.

6. Canadians are eligible for a special break due to a reciprocal agreement between the US and Canadian musician's unions. If you're a union member and file the right papers, a visa is normally automatic. If you're not in the union, you can't take advantage of this provision.

There's no question that over the last five years it has become much more difficult for non-commercial-mainstream artists from overseas, folk and otherwise, to perform in this country, and that's very unfortunate. At the same time, it's not impossible to get a visa if you want to play the game. My advice, again, is to find a good agent who knows what he/she is doing with regards to the paperwork requirements, and plan way ahead. And good luck to you.