Next year’s FIFA World Cup will bring the world’s biggest sporting event to 11 cities across the U.S. In 2028, Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics......

On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to apply “maximum” vetting to all visa applicants. In practice, that has meant more arrests, more detentions, more deportations and more horror stories of travelers turned away at the border.

The damage isn’t limited to the border. The State Department has imposed invasive social media vetting on certain visa applicants. Consular officers are vetting applicants for “any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States.” Applicants who refuse to make their online activity visible may be viewed as trying to hide something, which could result in a denial......

On the contrary, Trump has ordered immigration agents to intensify arrests and deportations in Democratic-run cities like Los Angeles and New York — both key sites for World Cup matches. Immigrants are staying home, afraid that they could be picked up on their way to or from work.

This is a self-inflicted wound. Without a reliable workforce and a welcoming environment for international travelers, the U.S. could turn two marquee events into cautionary tales. Even if the administration relaxes certain policies temporarily to facilitate the World Cup and Olympics, the damage to America’s image and economy may already be done.

Hosting global events is more than a point of pride — it’s a test of openness, security and competence. A successful World Cup and Olympics would show the world that the U.S. remains dynamic, open and capable. But if fear and red tape define the visitor experience, we would send another message entirely: America isn’t worth the trouble.