New Visa Restrictions Planned Ahead of U.N. General Assembly
The Trump administration is considering new visa restrictions for a range of delegations, including those from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and surprisingly, Brazil, as the U.N. General Assembly approaches later this month in New York.
An internal memo from the State Department, reviewed by The Associated Press, indicates that these restrictions may be implemented before the assembly convenes on September 22. Notably, Brazil typically has a prominent role at the gathering, often delivering the first speech on the opening day.
The visa denials recently imposed on Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas have raised concerns about the administration’s approach to international diplomatic engagement.
One of the proposed measures involves preventing Iranian diplomats, who already face significant travel restrictions, from shopping at wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club without prior approval from the State Department. Iranian diplomats have traditionally utilized these stores to buy bulk items unavailable in their home country, often shipping them back at lower costs.
The exact timeline and specifics of the shopping ban remain unclear, but the memo hints at potential rules that would allow the State Department to set conditions on wholesale memberships for diplomats from various nations.
It is uncertain whether these restrictions will impact Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or others attending the General Assembly. Both the U.S. and Brazil have seen tensions arise recently, particularly surrounding Lula’s prosecution of Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro.
In contrast, Syria’s delegation is likely to face fewer limits this year, as they received a waiver from travel restrictions imposed over ten years ago.
The State Department has yet to comment on the proposed restrictions, as discussions continue ahead of this significant global event.
