... in the NYT (in a very early article), some official was cited with concerns about US visa/travel restrictions.

I happen to know people from non visa waiver countries who looked into visiting the US. They have to personally interview at an US embassy, just for a short trip to visit friends/family.

That's something virtually no one is talking about. Some of the post 9/11 immigration policies are a disaster for the US. I wonder whether that has played a role here, too, among other IOC politics.

Chicago is not too blame, I'd guess. It's pretty awesome, I lived there 3 years of my life. Yes, there is some corruption, but all in all, it's a city that works, with great architecture. And sure, half the town is impoverished - but that applies to very many US cities, and to Rio as well.