The Trump administration is taking another step against South African officials and policymakers accused of advancing discriminatory laws and policies affecting minority groups.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that the United States is imposing a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals connected to South African measures involving race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and incitement of imminent violence. The policy was announced September 15 under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The move represents an escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against the government of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Rubio tied the latest action directly to President Donald Trump’s February 2025 executive order, which accused South Africa of violating the rights of Afrikaners and other minority populations through discriminatory legislation, property policies and rhetoric surrounding racial violence.
