The Cacique Mara team from Maracaibo, Venezuela, won the Latin American qualifier but was denied travel visas to attend the Senior League World Series in South Carolina. A proclamation by President Trump restricts entry for citizens from 19 nations, including Venezuela, but sports participants can apply for national interest exceptions. The State Department stated visa applications require advance submission due to processing times. Team president Kendry Gutierrez expressed disappointment over the situation, highlighting the team’s desire to compete as young athletes.
"Kendry Gutierrez, president of the Cacique Mara Little League, said in a statement that his players are '...demoralized. All they know how to do is play baseball.'"},{
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