After Charlie Kirk Assassination: Can Online Hate Get You Denied a U.S. Visa?

Hate speech, especially around the assassination of Charlie Kirk, could potentially have immigration consequences: online hate can get you denied a U.S. visa.

Deputy Secretary of the State Department, Christopher Landau, tweeted: "In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country. I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action. Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people."

Immigration Investigators also now look for “anti-American” views, including on social media, when assessing the applications of people wanting to live in the United States, with diplomats instructed to look for “indications of hostility towards citizens, culture or founding principles of United States” in someone’s online presence.

Diplomats must flag any “advocacy for, aid or support for foreign terrorists and other threats to US national security” and “support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence”.

In the USA, "hate speech" can lose First Amendment protection if it crosses the line into unprotected categories, such as inciting imminent violence; true threats; defamation; or harassment.

Some public figures have been "cancelled" for their insensitive comments over the last days.

Do you think the US should have the right to deny immigration rights to people who provoke or promote violence and hatred? Or does this go too far?