By Blessing Chinagorom
The United States through the State Department has imposed new visa restriction policy on those individuals who responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members.
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who made this known in a statement released on Thursday said this visa ban is also extended to individuals responsible for suppressing civil society, freedom of peaceful assembly in Georgia through a campaign of violence or intimidation.
Over the past few months the ruling Georgian Dream party has developed and passed a “foreign influence” law that would stifle the exercise of freedoms of association and expression.
Stigmatized organizations that serve the citizens of Georgia, and impede independent media organizations working to provide Georgians with access to high quality information.
Blinken said, “As Georgian citizens have voiced opposition to the law, we have seen clear indications of a campaign of intimidation and the use of violence to suppress peaceful dissent.
“Both the “national security law” and the repressive tactics used to quell legitimate dissent undermine Georgia’s democracy and the fundamental freedoms to which the Georgian people are entitled and run contrary to Georgia’s long-stated goal – reflected in its constitution — of Euro-Atlantic integration and strategic partnership with the United States”, he voiced.
The Secretary noted that the United States support for Georgia’s democracy is longstanding and foundational to both countries bilateral relationship. 
He added that anyone who undermines democratic processes or institutions in Georgia, including in the lead-up to, during, and following Georgia’s October 2024 elections may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy and precluded from travel to the United States.
“Immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. I am also launching today a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia.
“It remains our hope that Georgia’s leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to move forward their nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. As we review the relationship between our two countries, we will take into account Georgia’s actions in deciding our own”, Blinken said.
This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212 (a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and National Act, and allows the Department of State to implement visa restrictions for individuals, whether current or former state.
Or non-state actors who are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Georgia, including through the use of violence, force, or coercion to impede the exercise of civil or political rights, as well as the immediate family members of such individuals.
