On September 4, 2025, The US Department of State (DoS) has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting Central American nationals who knowingly act on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to undermine the rule of law in the region.
Under this policy, individuals who direct, authorize, fund, or significantly support CCP-backed activities that destabilize democratic institutions in Central America will be ineligible for entry into the US. The restrictions also apply to their immediate family members.
This action is being taken pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows visa denial based on foreign policy concerns.
The DoS has already begun implementing the policy by identifying and restricting visas for individuals previously engaged in such activities.
Background
The move reflects growing US concerns over China’s expanding influence in Latin America, a region historically aligned with US. Tensions between the US and China have escalated in recent years over issues including trade, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and geopolitical disputes in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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