US to Impose Visa Restrictions on Foreign Officials Accused of Censoring Americans Abroad
The Wire Staff
New Delhi: United States secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that the country will impose visa restrictions on foreign officials and individuals accused of censoring Americans abroad.
In a post on X on Wednesday (May 28), Rubio said that foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to the country.
“Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over,” Rubio wrote on X.
“For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans. Free speech is essential to the American way of life – a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority,” he added in another post.
For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights.
Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans.…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 28, 2025
Rubio added that it was unacceptable for foreign officials to demand content moderation from American tech platforms.
The Trump administration has also directed US embassies across the world to not schedule new interviews for international student visas, reported Indian Express.
“Consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” said a message sent by the US State Department.
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