U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals who attempt to censor protected expression in the United States. The announcement comes in response to growing concerns over foreign governments and officials attempting to suppress American voices.
According to Rubio’s press statement, there have been “troubling instances” of foreign officials overstepping their authority by targeting U.S. citizens, residents, and tech companies for their online activities.
Specific actions cited include issuing or threatening arrest warrants against Americans for social media posts made on U.S.-based platforms while on American soil, as well as pressuring U.S. tech companies to adopt global content moderation policies that infringe on free speech within the United States.
“Free speech is among the most cherished rights we enjoy as Americans,” Rubio stated. “It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants for U.S. citizens or U.S. residents for social media posts on American platforms while physically present on U.S. soil. It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies or engage in censorship activity that reaches beyond their authority and into the United States. We will not tolerate encroachments upon American sovereignty, especially when such encroachments undermine the exercise of our fundamental right to free speech.”
The visa restrictions are authorized under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to deem foreign nationals inadmissible if their entry could have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”
The policy may also extend to certain family members of those targeted. The policy takes effect immediately, though further details on its implementation and enforcement are expected to follow. The State Department has not yet commented on whether any individuals have been identified for visa restrictions under this new framework.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
