Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the U.S. will impose visa restrictions on foreign officials involved in censoring Americans’ online speech.

Rubio, in a statement, describes the freedom of speech as one of the “most cherished” rights of the American people and targets foreign nationals seeking to restrict or outright deprive citizens of the United States of that right.

The new policy aims to counter what Rubio describes as “flagrant censorship actions” by foreign governments against U.S. citizens and companies, targeting those who would pressure U.S. tech platforms to suppress free speech.

“Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States,” Rubio declared. “It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants on U.S. citizens or U.S. residents for social media posts on American platforms while physically present on U.S. soil.”

The Secretary of State also objects to foreign officials demanding that social media platforms adopt global rules that would infringe on American rights. Rubio further expanded on these actions in a post on X.

“For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights,” Rubio wrote on X. “Free speech is essential to the American way of life — a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority.”

He added, “Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country.”

For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights.

Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans.…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 28, 2025