The United States is tightening immigration enforcement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning foreign content creators that producing monetized social media content while in the country on a tourist visa could be considered unauthorized work.
According to statements from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, individuals entering the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa are not permitted to engage in income-generating activities, including creating sponsored or monetized content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
Officials emphasized that influencers wishing to work legally in the United States must obtain appropriate work authorization, such as specialized visas designed for individuals with exceptional abilities. Violations could lead to visa cancellation, deportation, and future entry bans.
The warning comes ahead of a major influx of digital creators expected during the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across multiple U.S. cities. Authorities say enforcement will focus on preventing misuse of tourist visas for commercial digital activity.
While the government frames the move as protecting domestic labor and enforcing immigration law, legal experts note that the rapidly evolving creator economy is creating grey areas where existing visa rules may not clearly apply.