The United States has begun revoking and denying visas to foreigners accused of celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a move that comes only three months after Monaco’s diplomatic services issued urgent warnings about the growing difficulty of securing US entry.
In June, Monaco’s Direction des Relations Diplomatiques et Consulaires urged students to exercise extreme caution with their visa applications, stressing that stricter checks now include mandatory disclosure of social media accounts. That notice, first reported by Monaco Life on 22nd June, underlined that politically sensitive posts could result in visas being denied. The latest crackdown in Washington confirms that US authorities are extending their scrutiny of foreigners’ online behaviour — a trend with direct implications for students, professionals and travellers from Monaco and the French Riviera.
Rubio vows deportations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X that “visa revocations are under way” and warned: “If you are here on a visa and cheering on the public assassination of a political figure, prepare to be deported.” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau issued a similar warning last week, writing that foreigners “who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”
Policy raises uncertainty
The State Department has not said how many visas have been revoked or denied, nor whether European nationals are among those affected. The new measures follow the killing of Kirk, which has sparked fierce political debate in the US.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead on 10th September while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt and charged with murder. Prosecutors allege he fired a bolt-action rifle from a nearby rooftop.
Fallout and free speech debate
The assassination has already led to professional consequences for some individuals in aviation, education and the media who mocked Kirk’s death online. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that American Airlines had grounded pilots for such behaviour, calling it “disgusting”.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has gone further, declaring that “left-wing radicals” would be held accountable and adding: “There’s free speech and then there’s hate speech.” Her remarks have prompted criticism from legal experts who note that the First Amendment does not include an exception for hate speech, raising concerns about government overreach.
See also:
Student visa alert: Monaco issues warning over new US entry conditions
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Photo: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio speaking with supporters at the Americans for Peace, Prosperity & Security Forum at the Pandora Building at the University of New Hampshire in Manchester, New Hampshire. Credit: Gage Skidmore