The White House announced sweeping changes to immigration that left Democrats furious
America is full. We’ve taken in plenty of immigrants over the years.
And now the White House announced sweeping changes to immigration that left Democrats furious.
Visa Crackdown Targets Mexican Officials Over Cartel Ties
The Trump administration has stripped U.S. visas from at least 50 Mexican politicians and public servants, intensifying its aggressive drive to uproot drug cartels and their purported supporters in government, according to a Reuters report from October 14.
Mexican sources indicated that the list includes affiliates of the dominant Morena Party under President Claudia Sheinbaum, alongside numerous individuals from rival factions.
A high-ranking State Department spokesperson explained to Reuters that “[v]isas, including those held by foreign officials, may be revoked at any time” for “activities that run contrary to America’s national interest.”
Although identities remain under wraps, four impacted figures have come forward, such as Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila, who firmly rejected any involvement with criminal syndicates.
Expanding Visa Actions Across Latin America
This step fits into an overarching pattern of visa cancellations. Just last month, officials pulled Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa following his role in a New York rally decrying Israel’s and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct in Gaza, FOX News detailed. Authorities deemed his involvement “reckless and incendiary.”
FOX also covered revocations affecting over 20 Brazilian jurists and 14 influential politicians and executives in Costa Rica, encompassing ex-President Oscar Arias, the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Such measures underscore a strategic pivot, leveraging diplomatic levers to counter perceived threats from narcotics, corruption, and ideological clashes, with former envoys noting the scale surpasses prior efforts.
Revocations for Social Media Remarks on Kirk Assassination
On October 14, authorities disclosed pulling visas from six international individuals who openly ridiculed or rejoiced over the slaying of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk. The group hailed from South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Paraguay.
“The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans,” the department declared on X, citing provocative online statements that triggered the bans.
Examples included one Argentine commenter asserting Kirk “devoted his entire life spreading racist, xenophobic, misogynistic rhetoric.” A German-language post read: “when fascists die, democrats don’t complain,” per the department.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed these choices as emblematic of stricter entry protocols.
“If you hate our country, if you are inciting violence, if you are siding with terrorists — we have revoked visas of pro-Hamas individuals in our country who are engaging with some of the campus shutdowns and locking down American universities — we are not going to tolerate illegal behavior,” Leavitt said during a press conference Oct 14, adding, “Having a visa to this country is a privilege. It is not a right, and if you’re wishing death upon America, you won’t be welcomed here anymore.”
