US Announces New Visa Restrictions Targeting Foreign Nationals Linked to Race-Based Policies in South Africa
By Suman Munshi,IBG NEWS
Washington, September 15, 2026: The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting certain foreign nationals whom Washington holds responsible for, or complicit in, policies involving race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and the incitement of imminent violence against minority racial or ethnic groups in South Africa.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy on September 15, citing concerns outlined by the Trump administration regarding the treatment of Afrikaners and other minority communities in South Africa. The announcement follows continued diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria over race-related policies, land reform and other foreign-policy issues.
Visa Restrictions Under U.S. Immigration Law
According to the U.S. Department of State, the new measures are being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
The provision allows the U.S. Secretary of State to determine that a foreign national may be inadmissible to the United States when their entry could have potentially serious adverse consequences for U.S. foreign policy.
The policy is aimed at individuals whom U.S. authorities determine are responsible for, or involved in, the creation or implementation of laws or policies that:
- Facilitate the seizure or expropriation of land without compensation;
- Promote race-based discrimination; or
- Encourage or contribute to imminent violence against minority ethnic or racial communities in South Africa.
The State Department also said that, in certain circumstances, family members of individuals covered by the restrictions could be affected.
Washington’s Concerns
The U.S. administration said it remains concerned about what it describes as racially motivated crime, government-sponsored discrimination and legislation affecting minority communities, particularly Afrikaners.
Washington has also raised objections to South Africa’s land reform policies, including concerns over the possibility of land expropriation without compensation. The State Department said it believes such policies and rhetoric could have wider implications for social stability, economic conditions and the rule of law.
The latest announcement follows an already strained relationship between the United States and South Africa. The Trump administration has previously criticized Pretoria’s approach to racial inequality and land reform.
South Africa’s Position
South Africa has rejected claims that white citizens are being systematically persecuted or discriminated against because of their race. Pretoria has argued that its policies need to be understood within the country’s post-apartheid history and efforts to address longstanding racial inequality.
South African officials have also maintained that allegations of racial persecution against white South Africans are not supported by evidence and have warned against narratives based on racial division. Reuters reported that the South African embassy in Washington had not immediately responded to a request for comment following the latest U.S. announcement.
Broader Diplomatic Tensions
The visa announcement represents another development in increasingly difficult relations between Washington and Pretoria. The two governments have disagreed over South Africa’s domestic racial policies, land reform and aspects of its international diplomacy.
The United States has framed the latest visa restrictions as a foreign-policy measure intended to respond to actions it considers inconsistent with peace, economic stability and the rule of law.
The South African government’s position, meanwhile, remains that its post-apartheid policies are aimed at addressing historical racial inequalities rather than targeting any racial community.
The practical impact of the new restrictions will depend on how the U.S. administration applies the policy and identifies individuals falling within its scope.
By Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
