The U.S. State Department is looking to increase the enforcement of immigration controls against human rights violators, in a move that could see Chinese officials involved in the persecution of Falun Gong being barred from entering the United States, according to a statement from a U.S. website that acts as a clearinghouse on the persecution of the spiritual practice.
The agency plans to increase its scrutiny of visa applications of foreign officials who have participated in severe violations of religious freedom, according to a May 31 news release by U.S. website Minghui.org. According to the release, these officials could have their immigration or non-immigration visas (such as tourist or business visas) rejected. Those who have already been issued visas could be blocked from entering the country, the notice said.
