US tightens visa rules, targets foreign nationals linked to 'far-left terror' groups

The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of supporting or being linked to what the Trump administration describes as "far-left terrorist" and allied groups. The move was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said individuals involved in financing, encouraging, recruiting for, or assisting political violence would not be allowed to enter the country.

According to the US State Department, the restrictions are part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and prevent individuals associated with violent extremist networks from entering the United States.

The policy will apply to foreign nationals who are found to have supported acts of terrorism, violent criminal activities, economic sabotage, or other forms of politically motivated violence. The visa restrictions are being implemented under provisions of the US Immigration and Nationality Act that allow authorities to deny entry on foreign policy and security grounds.

The announcement came during an international counterterrorism conference in Washington attended by representatives from dozens of countries. While the administration says the policy addresses an overlooked security threat, critics have argued that the shift places excessive focus on left-wing extremism and risks politicising US counterterrorism efforts.