Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unveiled a sweeping policy to deny U.S. entry to foreign officials and their families involved in censorship campaigns targeting Americans or U.S.-based technology platforms. The policy, rooted in the Immigration and Nationality Act, aims to counter what Rubio describes as an expanding global censorship apparatus.
The initiative builds on Rubio’s actions since assuming office, including the April shutdown of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC). The GEC had faced criticism for funding organizations like the Britain-based Global Disinformation Index, accused of labeling dissenting views as misinformation. Rubio cited the GEC’s activities as incompatible with free speech principles.
The new visa restrictions target foreign judges, bureaucrats, regulatory officials, and others orchestrating censorship efforts. This includes those enforcing Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which Rubio has criticized as an overreach compelling censorship on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Meta, and Google. “Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country,” Rubio stated on X.
