The United States has announced a significant expansion of its visa restriction policy targeting individuals accused of supporting adversarial powers operating within the Western Hemisphere.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the United States Department of State said the policy aligns with the national security priorities of President Donald Trump, aimed at preventing foreign adversaries from gaining influence over strategic assets and key resources across the region.
According to the department, the expanded policy focuses on nationals in the hemisphere who act on behalf of adversarial governments, entities, or agents to undermine American interests.
“These individuals — and their immediate family members — will be generally ineligible for entry into the United States,” the statement said.
The State Department explained that the policy covers a range of activities considered harmful to regional security and U.S. economic interests.
Officials said such actions may include helping adversarial powers gain control over critical infrastructure or natural resources, destabilising regional security efforts, or conducting influence operations aimed at weakening democratic institutions in the hemisphere.
The department added that these activities could also involve attempts to undermine the sovereignty and stability of countries in the region while advancing the strategic interests of rival states.
To demonstrate its commitment to enforcing the new measures, the U.S. government confirmed that visa restrictions have already been imposed on 26 individuals across the Western Hemisphere.
However, the State Department did not disclose the names of those affected or specify which countries they come from.
The restrictions were issued under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorises the U.S. government to deny entry to foreign nationals whose presence could potentially harm American foreign policy interests.
The move forms part of a broader effort by the Trump administration since returning to office in January 2025 to reassert U.S. influence across the Western Hemisphere and counter rival powers.
U.S. officials say the expanded visa policy is designed to protect national security, strengthen regional stability, and safeguard American economic interests from foreign interference.
