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Lily Allen’s hindrance from entering the US, her visa being unexpectedly
revoked, completely dazzled her.
Speculations suggested that the US
government’s decision is in connection with her arrest in London (7th March) after assaulting a
photographer.
The incident ended with her being cautioned after
voluntarily attending a police station in June. It is believed that the
authorities were alerted by it and this is why she was detained five hours by
the immigration officers in Los
Angeles. The Smile singer arrived in L.A. on Sunday (5th August) to attend he MTV
Video Music Awards nominations party on Tuesday.
Allen dismisses these speculations, saying that there is no
link between the two incidents, but adds that she “has no idea” what provoked
the revocation of her visa. "The authorities decided to revoke her
American O-1 work visa. She has no idea why she was singled out for such
treatment," stated Murray Chalmers, spokesman for EMI Music in London.
An O-1 visa can be received by a person with extraordinary
abilities proven in fields like sciences, arts, education, business, athletics,
or within the field of motion picture or television industry and it allows that
person to temporarily work in the US.
Allen was bound to have US concerts in May and June, but
canceled them due to her fatigue and her temporary inability to sing at her
best. This time, though, she will fight to respect her gigs’ dates. "I am
trying everything I can to sort this situation out," the singer said.
"It is my intention to play my American dates in September. This depends
on the authorities granting me a new work visa."
Her US
fans are troubled by what happened and continuously express their support on
her blog, including “this visa thing is ridiculous", "pathetic",
and "that's our government for you. Sorry!".
Allen was nominated for the Best New Artist category,
together with her UK
colleague, Amy Winehouse.
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