US uses visas as political tool against rivals, judges

The United States has wielded visa revocations as a political weapon, targeting perceived enemies and critics of its allies, according to reports. This tactic has ensnared former presidents, judges, diplomats, and even the children of political figures.

Most recently, the U.S. reportedly revoked the visa of Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This action follows a pattern of using visa policy to exert political pressure. The U.S. also suspended the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, citing delays in approving a U.S. candidate and the prior denial of visas to U.S. diplomats. These moves occur amidst political friction, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accusing the U.S. government of interference.

In September 2025, the U.S. revoked the visa of then-Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing his "imprudent and incendiary actions." Petro had led a protest in New York urging U.S. soldiers to disobey former President Donald Trump's orders. Several other Colombian officials also reported visa revocations.

Previously, in July 2025, the U.S. revoked the visa of Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes and his family, accusing him of a "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. has also targeted opposition lawmakers and media figures in Costa Rica who were critical of then-President Rodrigo Chaves, an ally of Trump. Former Costa Rican President Óscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and Trump critic, also had his visa revoked.

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Una visa no define a una persona