"Everything was ready: tickets issued, hotel reserved and electronic authorization approved. But just days before traveling to the United States, Chilean journalist Nicolás Sepúlveda was notified that his entry into the country was 'unauthorized,' making him unable to attend the ceremony where he was to receive the LASA Media Award, presented by the Latin American Studies Association.
Sepúlveda had been honored for his investigation into the Hermosilla Case, which uncovered one of the most significant corruption schemes in recent times in Chile. The recognition placed him among the most influential journalists in Latin America.
However, on Tuesday [May 20] morning, his status in the Visa Waiver system changed without prior notice or justification. 'No details are provided. It just says my travel is no longer authorized,' Sepúlveda explained."
