For decades, America has been the world's golden goose, opening its doors to millions seeking prosperity, education, and opportunity. Our economy props up global markets—US consumer spending alone accounted for 28% of global GDP in 2024, according to World Bank data. We have also been the only reason countries across the globe prosper and sleep safely at night. We secure international waters with our military might, ensuring the free flow of goods around the world. We maintain peace by deploying our military personnel to bases worldwide, serving as a deterrent.

Yet, too many of these same countries treat American citizens with outright disdain, detaining them unjustly while reaping the benefits of our generosity. It's high time that changed, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's new visa policy is a bold step toward putting America—and Americans—first. On May 28, 2025, Rubio announced a groundbreaking policy: foreign officials and individuals complicit in censoring Americans will be barred from entering the United States.

"For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights." Rubio posted on X.

"Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans. Free speech is essential to the American way of life – a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority. 

"Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country. Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over." 

This isn't just about foreign countries censoring our citizens—it's a broader signal to the world. If you disrespect the rights of Americans, you don't get to enjoy the blessings of America. It's a policy that embodies the America First agenda, prioritizing US sovereignty and the protection of our citizens over diplomatic niceties.

The European Union has increasingly tightened its grip on free speech, implementing policies that not only affect its citizens but also threaten US-based social media companies and their American users. The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), enacted in 2022, mandates that platforms like X, Meta, and Google aggressively police content deemed as "hate speech" or "disinformation," with fines reaching billions for noncompliance. These regulations seek to directly impact American companies and consumers, forcing censorship where our citizens should enjoy First Amendment protections. The EU's actions don't just undermine free expression—they pressure American companies to prioritize foreign laws over US constitutional rights, a betrayal of the very values that make America a global leader.

America's global influence gives us the leverage to demand better treatment for our citizens. We ensure safe passage on international waters, a service that benefits global trade for nations that detain Americans or threaten our citizens' speech when traveling or on social media. Rubio's message is clear: treat Americans with honor or lose the privilege of stepping foot on our soil. This isn't about punishment—it's about reciprocity. The benefits of America's openness come with a responsibility to respect our people.

Critics will cry that this risks diplomatic backlash, especially from EU allies. Let them complain. For too long, America has been treated like a global ATM, dispensing benefits while our citizens face harassment abroad and online. Rubio's policy ensures that nations seeking America's blessings must first prove they value its people. It's a long-overdue wake-up call: America comes first, and so do Americans.