U.S. unveils visa policy targeting alleged far-left terrorists - UPI.com

U.S. Secretary of State Announces Visa Restrictions Targeting Members of Alleged Far-Left Groups

July 16 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy on Thursday aimed at members of designated far-left terrorist groups and aligned organizations. The measures apply to individuals who have supported or incited acts of terrorism or violence, participated in economic sabotage, or backed violent and other criminal actions.

Rubio made the announcement during the opening of an international summit on political terrorism in Washington, D.C. He stated that U.S. counterterrorism policy has maintained a "blind spot when it comes to extremist violence from the political left" for an extended period.

The policy forms part of broader Trump administration efforts to direct counterterrorism resources toward far-left extremism. President Donald Trump has pointed to what he described as insufficient prosecutions of violence during the 2020 racial-justice protests by local authorities. He has also criticized the Biden administration's handling of cases involving his supporters who entered the Capitol and clashed with law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021.

Data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicate an increase in left-wing terrorist attacks and plots in the United States since 2016, alongside a decline in right-wing violence. The organization reported that 2025 marked the first year in more than three decades in which left-wing attacks exceeded those attributed to the right. The same analysis noted that the recent rise in left-wing incidents started from low baseline levels and remains below historical peaks associated with right-wing and jihadist actors.

Rubio rejected characterizations that equate concerns over far-left terrorism with those focused on the right, describing such views as "dogma" and "ideological prejudice." He characterized far-left violence as driven by "a hatred for civilization itself," adding that it represents "a revolt of the worst against the best, a revolt of the weak and cowardly against the strong and good." He further stated that such acts are carried out by individuals unable to build or create, who instead seek to destroy achievements of others.

In his remarks, Rubio addressed individuals identifying as anti-capitalists, anti-imperialists, communists, and Marxists. He accused them of employing rhetoric centered on equality, justice, and liberation while pursuing the destruction of existing structures. He also asserted that segments of the far left hold the Western world in contempt due to its accomplishments.

The Trump administration has previously designated four violent far-left groups as foreign terrorist organizations in November and offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of their financing. Rubio indicated that additional designations are planned.

The policy targets visa applicants based on documented involvement in specified activities. Implementation will fall under existing State Department authorities for restricting entry of individuals linked to terrorism or related conduct.