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Say it online, lose your visa? US move sparks concern Estelle.Bronkhorst Wed, 10/15/2025 - 12:15 JOHANNESBURG – The US State Department’s decision to revoke visas of several foreign nationals -- including a South African -- for allegedly “celebrating” Charlie Kirk’s assassination online has sparked concern.The Trump administration has controversially cited political reasons in stripping others of their visas, including several hundred people involved in Gaza war protests on US university campuses.Immigration experts warn the move signals a growing willingness by the US government to scrutinise visitors’ online activity and penalise those expressing dissenting political views.Immigration lawyer Moeketsie Seboko explains that visa revocation means “a visa that was previously issued is subsequently withdrawn or cancelled, which makes travelling to the US impossible.”READ: South African’s US visa revoked over Charlie Kirk social media post“Depending on the reasons, those affected may appeal, request a review of the decision, or reapply for a visa,” he said.However, Seboko noted a worrying trend.“This has been an observation lately, especially with the increased victimisation of foreign students who are against the Gaza invasion by Israel,” he said.“There have also been accusations that the administration requires visitors to make their social media pages public so that they can be easily accessed and checked.”Seboko added that those who know they have previously expressed adverse views about the US might need to reconsider their intended trips.“The administration has embarked on a drive to scrutinise visitors’ admissibility and compliance with US immigration laws. This could also lead to delays in processing and finalising visas,” he said.

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