# Why I Was Locked Out Of The USA For 5 Years (And Why I'm Finally Going Back)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-akira-the-don-podcast-1097564/why-i-was-locked-out-of-the-usa-for-5-years-and-why-i-m-finally-going-back
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-akira-the-don-podcast-1097564/why-i-was-locked-out-of-the-usa-for-5-years-and-why-i-m-finally-going-back.md
Podcast: [The Akira The Don Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-akira-the-don-podcast-1097564)
Published: 2026-05-07T16:25:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.meaningwave.com
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/36319f00-1fdf-42cb-bd0f-4ffd2f4313ac.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-akira-the-don-podcast-1097564/episodes/why-i-was-locked-out-of-the-usa-for-5-years-and-why-i-m-finally-going-back
Duration seconds: 214

## Resource

After being unexpectedly barred from the USA due to pandemic-era travel restrictions, Akira The Don recounts his five-year journey living in Mexico. He shares how he rebuilt his musical career from a makeshift jungle studio and prepares for his eventual return to Texas.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Unexpected US travel mandates forced a sudden relocation from Texas to Mexico
- Practical takeaway: Creative output can be maintained even when working with minimal, makeshift equipment
- Failure mode: Relying on predictable visa timelines during periods of high geopolitical and health-related volatility
- Resilience lesson: Building a sanctuary and a professional studio from scratch in a new environment
- Current status: Preparing for a permanent move back to the USA as restrictions have lifted

## Topics

Music Production, Expat Life, US Visa Issues, Studio Building, Mexico, Texas, Creative Resilience, Travel Restrictions

## Chapters
- 0:00 — The Impending Move: Preparing to leave the current studio and the uncertainty of the next musical chapter.
- 0:30 — The Texas Era: Reflecting on life in Texas and the home studio built in a garage before the disruption.
- 1:00 — The Lockdown: How sudden US entry restrictions for foreign nationals forced the family into Mexico.
- 1:30 — Life in the Mexican Jungle: Adapting to life in an Airbnb and the process of rebuilding a studio piece by piece.
- 2:00 — The Sanctuary: The success of constructing a professional-grade studio in Mexico and the music created there.
- 2:30 — Returning to the USA: The decision to move back to the US and the challenges of starting over without a studio.
- 3:00 — Supporting the Journey: An update on the Waverider mixtape campaign and community support.

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## Transcript

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