TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US YouTuber LeLe Farley said on Saturday that he has been barred from entering Taiwan, despite his past public support for the country in its disputes with China.

The National Immigration Agency (NIA) confirmed that Farley had worked illegally in Taiwan during a 2023 visit, and that the Taipei Department of Labor imposed a reentry ban that remains in effect, CNA reported.

In a post on his YouTube channel, Farley said he had been preparing to board a flight from Los Angeles to Taiwan on March 11 to begin a new life there. He said he had obtained an employment gold card, bought a one-way ticket, and sold his car and belongings in anticipation of the move.

However, at LAX, airline staff reportedly told him that, based on their system, he was not permitted to enter Taiwan and would therefore be denied boarding.

In its statement, the NIA said Farley’s employment gold card had been revoked due to his prior work violations. Once the ban expires, he will be eligible to reapply for the card. The agency added that it would review the administrative procedures involved in his case.

Farley, who studied acting in China, later became a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party. He last visited Taiwan during the campaign for the 2024 presidential election.