Visa Restrictions on Central American Nationals Working with the CCP to Undermine Rule of Law in Central America

The United States is committed to countering China’s corrupt influence in Central America and stop its attempts to subvert rule of law. Today, the Department of State is announcing a new visa restriction policy that will allow our nation to restrict U.S. visas for Central American nationals who, while in Central American countries and intentionally acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), knowingly direct, authorize, fund, provide significant support to, or carry out activities that undermine the rule of law in Central America. We are also taking steps to impose these visa restrictions under this new policy on a number of Central American nationals who have previously engaged in such activities. As a result, these individuals and their immediate family members will be generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

These actions reaffirm President Trump’s commitment to protect America’s economic prosperity and national security interests in our region. We continue to promote accountability for Central American nationals who intentionally work with the CCP in Central America and destabilize our hemisphere.

We continue to use all available tools to promote safety and security of our region.

These actions are being taken pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.