US imposes new visa restrictions on South Africa over race claims

The United States announced new visa restrictions on Tuesday targeting foreign nationals in South Africa it accuses of involvement in race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures, and incitement of violence against minority groups. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the policy was authorized under Section 212a3C of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary to declare a foreign national inadmissible for serious adverse foreign policy consequences. Rubio said the restrictions target individuals responsible for or complicit in laws or policies enabling such actions. He stated the South African government has not adequately addressed previously raised concerns, prompting the new measures. The policy may also affect certain family members of those targeted. The announcement escalates ongoing tensions between Washington and Pretoria. The Trump administration has previously criticized South Africa's land reform policies and alleged government-sponsored discrimination against Afrikaners and other minorities. President Donald Trump issued an executive order earlier this year directing U.S.