US Slaps Visa Bans On Foreign Officials Over Censorship
A new US visa policy could hit not just foreign officials accused of censorship – but their families too.
“We will not tolerate this” – America draws the line
On 28 May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a bold announcement: anyone who tries to silence Americans’ free speech from abroad may be banned from entering the United States.
“Free speech is among the most cherished rights we enjoy as Americans,” said Rubio.
“Even as we take action to reject censorship at home, we see troubling instances of foreign governments and foreign officials picking up the slack.”
He warned that the US had seen “flagrant censorship actions” by foreign governments — especially against American tech companies and users on platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube.
“It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants on U.S. citizens or U.S. residents for social media posts on American platforms while physically present on U.S. soil,” Rubio declared.
Family members also in firing line
The shock twist? Family members of the accused could be blocked too.
Rubio confirmed that under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, visa bans will also “cover certain family members.”
“We will not tolerate encroachments upon American sovereignty,” he said.
“Especially when such encroachments undermine the exercise of our fundamental right to free speech.”
The announcement has triggered alarm bells among diplomats and human rights groups. Critics say the policy could have “chilling” consequences, with families paying the price for political decisions made abroad.
Crackdown on global censorship pressure
Rubio also hit out at foreign powers trying to bully US tech firms into silencing voices.
“It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies,” he said.
He did not name any specific countries, but the move comes after months of tension between Washington and international governments accused of pressuring US platforms.
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The post “Visa Ban May Extend to Families” – US Introduces Visa Restrictions For Foreign Nationals Over Social Media Censorship appeared first on iHarare News.
