The Trump administration is implementing measures to restrict individuals who combat disinformation and hate speech from obtaining worker visas to enter the U.S. This initiative aligns with the conservative movement’s long-standing campaign against experts who challenge online disinformation. A recent State Department memo instructs consular officers to scrutinize H-1B visa applicants’ backgrounds for work related to misinformation, content moderation, and online safety, using evidence of “censorship” as grounds for ineligibility.
A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the administration opposes allowing foreigners to act as “censors” of American expression, framing it as an issue of protecting free speech. However, critics argue this perspective misrepresents content moderation efforts and accuse the administration of undermining the fight against hate speech while advancing an anti-immigrant agenda. The article highlights the irony of the administration’s stance on censorship, given its own history of attacking free press and dissent.
