US Imposes Visa Bans on South African Officials Over Land Expropriation and Race Policies
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals linked to race-based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa
- Washington invoked Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with penalties extending to the immediate family members of those targeted
- The restrictions build on Executive Order 14204 and signal deepening diplomatic friction between the United States and Pretoria
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SOUTH AFRICA — The United States has imposed visa restrictions on foreign nationals involved in implementing race-based policies and uncompensated land expropriation in South Africa, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio making the announcement on 15 September 2026.
Rubio posted the declaration on X, citing what he described as the South African government's failure to protect the Afrikaner minority, address rural crime, and take action against violent and dehumanising rhetoric. He stated that those responsible for these injustices have "no place in the United States." Rubio reiterated allegations made by him and United States President
Washington cites Expropriation Act and minority rights
The restrictions were enacted under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the US government to declare individuals inadmissible on foreign policy grounds. Penalties extend beyond the targeted individuals to include their immediate family members.
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The measures build directly on Executive Order 14204, titled *Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa*, and specifically target those linked to the implementation of the Expropriation Act and legislation the US considers racially discriminatory. Washington stated that Pretoria's inaction on minority rights and violent chants directed at Afrikaners served as a primary trigger for the restrictions.
US officials argued that land seizures without compensation and government-sponsored discrimination undermine both economic stability and the rule of law, warning that further diplomatic isolation awaits if Pretoria does not adjust course.
Diplomatic pressure mounts on Pretoria
The announcement intensifies an already strained relationship between Washington and South Africa's Government of National Unity. The restrictions arrive amid internal political friction, with Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie having recently defended President Cyril Ramaphosa against impeachment votes from within the coalition.
Read the post on X:
What did South Africans say?
The post drew significant attention online, attracting over 943,000 views and a range of sharply divided responses.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela responded directly to Rubio's framing, writing:
"This is not true. Crime affects all and disproportionately affect black South Africans particularly African, due to their positioning at the bottom of South Africa's pyramid structures economy and social system. Right now 8 African women have been murdered by what appears to be a serial killer."
@Mothematiks wrote:
"The sooner South Africa cuts any remaining economical dependency on America the better. How long can one country endure disrespect and humiliation for doing the right thing."
@Alien13170 responded in support:
"Thank you Secretary Rubio. Thank you President Trump. I pray this government adhere to your demands before the country falls completely of the cliff."
@loganmygsd added:
"Thank you! Please look into the large number of refugee applicants who have been found 'ineligible' for no reason. We desperately want to leave, but can't."
Afrikaners remain top priority for US refugee programme
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the United States’ Afrikaner refugee resettlement programme and the government’s decision to maintain its priority status. More than 10,000 South Africans were admitted during the financial year, while applicants whose cases are rejected cannot appeal the decision.
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Source: Briefly News
