JOHN Swinney has intervened after many Scotland fans were denied entry to the United States just days before the World Cup begins.
Speaking to MSPs at First Minister's Questions (FMQs) on Tuesday, the First Minister said the US consul general has been approached over the issue.
Last week, dozens of Scots said their electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta) was unexpectedly changed from “approved” to “travel not authorised” with no explanation.
Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for the US Department of Homeland Security, said the Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws and that Esta applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases.
But a number of devastated fans spoke out after spending thousands on tickets, accommodation, and travel.
Asked about the issue by SNP MSP Fulton McGregor, Swinney responded: "I appreciate how frustrating the situation is for any Scotland supporter who has had their Esta revoked.
"While information about individual cases has not been shared with the Scottish Government, I understand that the decision to award an Esta may change if further information emerges about an application which was not available at the time of the original decision."
He added: "Unfortunately, in such cases, detailed explanations are not always provided to applicants.
"I'm aware that the United States Embassy has issued advice to individuals affected by Esta refusals indicating that they may apply for a visa through the FIFA pass system, and I've asked officials to convey our hope that they can resolve this so that Scotland's fans do not miss out."
The First Minister then confirmed that he has asked for "specific representations and engagement" to be taken forward with the consul general of the US in Scotland, Kathryn Porter.
"That has been undertaken, and we will do all that we can to help out to resolve these issues," Swinney said.
Scott Braid, an engineer from Kirkcaldy, and Kenny Smith, a security company director from Inverness, are among those affected. Both said they have no explanation for their revoked Estas.
Braid, 43, was due to fly to Boston on June 12 with his wife and two children. He applied in April and was approved within 24 hours.
He said his status changed to “pending” and then to “not authorised” within hours. The US embassy could not give a reason.
He said he has spent about £8000 on travel and accommodation and hundreds more on match tickets.
“I’m really, really devastated,” he said. “It’s all I can think about and I am struggling to sleep because I am thinking, ‘Have I done everything I can do to try and fix this?’
“But the frustrating thing is the lack of answers. They just won’t tell you what the reason is.”
He added: “There’s just really no time left to get that through in time. I’ve got an appointment in the embassy in Belfast next Thursday. That’s the day before I fly. But what they’ve said is when you have your interview, it takes three to five days to process, and then they have to send the visa out to you.”
Smith, 45, had an Esta approved in November and travelled to New York that month. As it was valid for two years, he booked World Cup travel costing more than £10,000.
His Esta was revoked this week. He was told no reason would be given and it could be a mistake or random.
He applied for a visa but was initially offered an appointment after the tournament. With help from the embassy, it was moved forward, leaving him a “50-50 chance” of making his flight.
Smith said he wondered whether his involvement in a folk-rock band could have triggered concerns about working without a visa.
“I am part of a folk-rock band called Torridon, so I just wonder whether they looked at my profile, saw a guitar and thought, ‘This guy’s not got a working visa. We reckon he’s coming over to make some money',” Smith said.
The White House announced plans in December to include social media checks in the authorisation process, leading to speculation this could be behind the revocations.
