U.S. Unveils Restrictions for Foreign Interference in Free Speech

(MENAFN) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced a fresh visa restriction policy aimed at foreign officials and individuals who are deemed "complicit" in suppressing Americans' freedom of expression.

This initiative, announced on Wednesday, reflects growing concern over actions by overseas authorities that penalize U.S. citizens for expressing their views.

According to Rubio's post on X, numerous Americans have been "fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities" simply for exercising their right to free speech.

He declared the rollout of this new visa policy that specifically targets those found to be involved in such censorship efforts.

The Secretary stressed that the ability to speak freely is a core U.S. value — a fundamental birthright — and affirmed that "foreign governments have no authority" to infringe upon it.

Rubio further asserted that individuals from abroad who actively participate in curbing Americans' rights should no longer be granted the "privilege" of entering the United States.

In his statement, he made it clear that the era of overlooking foreign interference in American civil liberties is over, regardless of whether such interference originates in "Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere."

Additionally, Rubio condemned the act of foreign powers pursuing U.S. citizens for their online comments or pressuring American tech companies to enforce specific content moderation rules.

He criticized these tactics as violations of national sovereignty and labeled them threats to the country’s "fundamental right to free speech."

The State Department has also cautioned that the implications of the new policy may extend to "certain family members" of those affected.

This development comes in the wake of a separate move by the administration to halt student visa interviews, as it weighs a proposal to expand social media scrutiny for international students.

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