In recent months, the ruling Georgian Dream party has enacted a “foreign influence” law that significantly restricts freedoms of association and expression, stigmatizes organizations serving the Georgian public, and hampers independent media efforts to provide high-quality information. In response to Georgian citizens’ opposition to this law, there has been a clear campaign of intimidation and violence to suppress peaceful dissent. These actions, along with a “national security law” and repressive measures against legitimate dissent, undermine Georgia’s democracy and the fundamental freedoms of its people, contradicting Georgia’s constitutional commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and its strategic partnership with the United States.
To address these issues, the U.S. Department of State is implementing a new visa restriction policy for Georgia. This policy targets individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their family members. It includes those who suppress civil society and the freedom of peaceful assembly through violence or intimidation.
The United States has long supported Georgia’s democracy, which is a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. Individuals who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia, including during the lead-up to, during, and following Georgia’s October 2024 elections, may be deemed ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy, and their immediate family members may also face these restrictions.
Additionally, I am announcing a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia. We hope that Georgia’s leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to advance their nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. As we assess the relationship between our two countries, Georgia’s actions will be a critical factor in our decisions.
