The Venezuelan government has strongly denounced new visa restrictions imposed by the United States, accusing Washington of launching a politically driven campaign designed to tarnish and criminalize its citizens. On Thursday, officials in Caracas issued a formal response rejecting the U.S. policy as unjust and discriminatory, labeling it part of a broader effort to marginalize Venezuela on the world stage.
The policy in question stems from a recent proclamation signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which enacts a sweeping ban on entry for nationals from a dozen countries. In addition to these outright bans, the proclamation imposes partial entry limitations on individuals from several other nations, including Venezuela. The announcement has sparked a wave of criticism from affected governments and international observers alike.
Venezuela views the decision as a direct attack on its sovereignty and international image. Government officials argued that such actions not only penalize ordinary citizens, but also seek to isolate and pressure the country amid ongoing diplomatic and ideological tensions with Washington. They asserted that the measure lacks a legitimate security basis and instead reflects longstanding U.S. hostility toward Venezuela’s political leadership.
In its statement, the Venezuelan administration emphasized the negative humanitarian impact the restrictions could have, particularly on families with ties to the U.S. who may now face separation or additional bureaucratic hurdles. They further claimed the visa policy reinforces global inequality by targeting countries based on geopolitical rivalry rather than actual risk assessments or factual evidence.
This isn’t the first time tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated over policy decisions. Relations between the two nations have remained strained for years, especially under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington has frequently accused of undermining democracy and violating human rights. Venezuela, in turn, has often accused the U.S. of economic warfare and political interference.
In conclusion, Venezuela has framed the U.S. visa move not as a legitimate security policy, but as part of an ongoing campaign to vilify the country and its people. As diplomatic frictions continue, the visa restrictions represent yet another flashpoint in a complex and often confrontational bilateral relationship that shows little sign of easing.