Unfair U.S. Discrimination Against Foreign Artists

I find that one of the most upsetting things about being a Canadian Neil Diamond Impersonator is just how much red tape and money it takes to try and play in the U.S. The States, as every artist knows, has a huge market for any kind of performer, with a population 10X that of Canada. What makes it more irksome is the fact that U.S. artists can waltz right into Canada without paying a dime and with no special work permit, to steal the jobs that are available here, right out from under our noses! What's the matter with our Canadian government?...or is it the same old case of "if it's American it must be better syndrome"? No wonder you Diamond Tributes in the States are so busy. First of all, you have a much larger audience base to draw from and secondly you don't have to compete against Canadian tributes that might just be a whole heck of a lot better than you but no one in the States will ever know. Plus you get to take our gigs as well! Sweet........for you.......How about my European counterparts? Do you have the same problems performing in different countries throughout Europe? How easy is it for you to play in the States?
I know you must think that I'm just mouthing off, but believe me, I have lost dozens of very lucrative gigs in the States because of their permit system and I am getting MAD!! Am I the only one? Do you agree that their protectionism is unfair? Let's talk about this......I'd especially like to hear from my American brothers.