After dropping “POC That Still A Ryda” and teasing the release of her new album, M.I.A. revealed that she is not allowed to enter the United States.
The musician broke the news to fans on Wednesday that apparently she is no longer allowed to enter the United States. While M.I.A. handles her travel affairs, she is planning a tour in the United Kingdom. This is not the first time the rapper has had problems entering the U.S. In May of 2006, the United States Immigration department blocked M.I.A. from entering the country because of her controversial song lyrics and because her father has been affiliated with groups that oppose the Sri Lankan government. These groups are considered terrorist organizations by the United States.
M.I.A. has been accused of sympathizing with terrorists, even by figures such as Oprah Winfrey. In a Rolling Stone Magazine article, M.I.A. describes an interaction with Oprah, “She shut me down. She took that photo of me, but she was just like, ‘I can’t talk to you because you’re crazy and you’re a terrorist.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not. I’m Tamil and there are people dying in my country and you have to look at it because you’re f—— Oprah and every American told me you’re going to save the world.’”
M.I.A.’s song lyrics often reflect her activism and fans are excited about the new album on the way. It is unclear why she is not allowed to enter the United States at this time.
