The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals involved in censoring protected expression within the country. This measure aims to address actions by foreign officials who have imposed censorship on U.S. tech companies and citizens without proper authority.
The policy was unveiled as a response to instances where foreign officials have issued or threatened arrest warrants against U.S. citizens or residents for social media posts made on American platforms while they are present in the United States. Additionally, there have been demands from these officials for American tech platforms to adopt global content moderation policies that extend beyond their jurisdiction.
The new visa restrictions are based on Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This section allows the Secretary of State to deem any alien inadmissible if their entry could lead to serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. The restrictions may also apply to certain family members of those involved.
A statement regarding this policy emphasized, "We will not tolerate encroachments upon American sovereignty, especially when such encroachments undermine the exercise of our fundamental right to free speech."
