The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of infringing on the free speech rights of American citizens abroad.Announcing the move on Wednesday, secretary of state Marco Rubio said the policy will apply to foreign officials and individuals who are “complicit in censoring Americans”, including those involved in fining, harassing, or criminally charging US citizens for expressing their views overseas.“For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights,” said Rubio in a post on X. “Free speech is essential to the American way of life – a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority,” Rubio wrote.While the state department did not name any specific countries or individuals who might be affected by the new policy, Rubio made it clear the administration is taking a harder line: “Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country,” he said.“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 said.The state department has not yet detailed how the policy will be implemented or what evidence will be used to determine visa ineligibility.
