In a move that has drawn criticism from Brazil’s judiciary, the US government announced on July 18, 2025, that it will revoke visas for Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his immediate family members, effective immediately. The decision was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in response to what he described as a “persecution and censorship complex” carried out by the Brazilian justice.
The visa restrictions are based on Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to render any alien inadmissible who would pose a significant adverse foreign policy consequence upon entry into the United States. In this case, Rubio alleged that de Moraes’s actions against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro constituted a serious threat to free expression and democratic values.
According to US officials, the decision was made after careful consideration of the implications of Moraes’s conduct on US-Brazil relations and the protection of human rights. The move has been seen as a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries’ judiciaries and governments.
The Brazilian government has responded to the announcement by expressing its “deep disappointment” and “outrage”. Foreign Minister Ricardo Salinas stated that Brazil would not engage in “confrontational or aggressive behavior towards the United States, but we will take all necessary measures to protect our sovereignty and national interests”.
The visa restrictions have also been condemned by human rights groups, who argue that they represent a worrying trend of intimidation and retaliation against individuals who speak out against government wrongdoing. As one advocacy group noted, “this move undermines the fundamental principles of justice and democracy, and sets a chilling precedent for anyone who dares to challenge authoritarian rule”.
The US Embassy in Brasília has confirmed that visa applications for Moraes’s associates will be suspended until further notice. The decision is expected to have significant implications for US-Brazil relations, particularly in the areas of trade, security, and human rights.
In conclusion, the US government’s decision to revoke visas for Brazilian Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his family members represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries’ judiciaries. The move has drawn criticism from Brazil, the international community, and human rights groups alike, who argue that it undermines democratic values and human rights principles.
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This is a government press release, issued by the Office of the Spokesperson, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State.