Artist: The rap artist M.I.A. (Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam)
Confronting Bodies: United States Immigration Officials
Date of Action: May, 2006
Specific Location: United States
Description of Artwork: M.I.A.'s rap songs often contain controversial lyrics including references to suicide bombers and to the political group, Tamil Tigers.
Description of Incident: M.I.A. was supposed to come to the United States to work with producer Timbaland on her upcoming album. However, the United States refused to issue M.I.A. a visa because of the nature of the lyrics on her current album. Futher MTV refuses to play her current single, "Sunshower."
Results of Incident: On her website, M.I.A. stated "They tried to shut my door!," "Roger roger do you here me over the US immigration won't let me in!"
Source: www.spotlightingnews.com; http://washingtontimes.com
Submitted By: Danielle Biber