Byline: By Uyghur Times Staff
Time and Date: March 14, 2025
The U.S. State Department has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign government officials complicit in the forced return of Uyghurs and other ethnic or religious groups at risk of persecution to China. The announcement comes in response to the February 27 return of 40 Uyghur individuals from Thailand, highlighting concerns over China’s continued human rights violations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized, “We are committed to combating China’s efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances. I am immediately implementing this policy by taking steps to impose visa restrictions on current and former officials from the Government of Thailand responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand on February 27.”
The policy underscores the U.S. commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from China’s genocide and crimes against humanity. By imposing visa restrictions on officials complicit in these actions, the U.S. aims to deter such deportations and hold perpetrators accountable.
This action is taken under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and expands U.S. efforts to combat China’s forced returns of Uyghurs, many of whom flee to neighboring countries seeking asylum from Chinese persecution.
“We are deeply grateful to Secretary Rubio for his leadership and long-standing support of the Uyghur cause,” said Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of CFU. “By imposing visa restrictions on Thai officials responsible for the return of 40 Uyghurs, the United States is sending a clear warning: nations that violate human rights and disregard international law will face consequences. We commend Secretary Rubio and the Trump administration for standing resolutely against transnational repression and genocide.”
