The United States announced new visa restrictions on Tuesday targeting foreign nationals from South Africa involved in race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures, and incitement of violence against minority ethnic or racial groups.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the policy in a statement, citing President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14204, “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa.” The measures apply to individuals responsible for or complicit in laws or policies enabling such actions, primarily concerning Afrikaners and other minority populations.

Rubio stated that the South African government has not adequately addressed prior U.S. concerns about racially motivated crime, government-sponsored discrimination, threats of land expropriation without compensation, and incitement through dehumanizing chants. The restrictions fall under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows denial of entry for potential adverse foreign policy consequences. Certain family members may also be affected.

The Trump administration has highlighted issues including land reform policies and South Africa's actions at the International Court of Justice. Washington has separately prioritized admission of white South Africans as refugees, with more than 7,700 Afrikaners admitted by late June 2026.

South African officials maintain there is no evidence of systematic discrimination or persecution against white citizens and view related claims as threats to post-apartheid unity. The South African embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This development marks the latest step in cooling diplomatic ties between the two nations during Trump's second term. The policy aims to hold accountable those enabling actions the U.S. views as undermining peace, economic stability, and the rule of law.