9 FAM 302.7
(U) Ineligibility based on Human rights violations - INA 212(a)(2)(G), INA 212(a)(3)(E), INA 212(a)(3)(G), and PP 8697
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
(Office of Origin: CA/VO)
9 FAM 302.7-1 (U) Statutory and Regulatory AUthority
9 FAM 302.7-1(A) (U) Immigration and Nationality Act
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
(U) INA 101(a)(42) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)); INA 102 (8 U.S.C. 1102); INA 212(a)(2)(G) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(G)); INA 212(a)(3)(E) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(E)); INA 212(a)(3)(G) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(G)); INA 212(d)(3)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(3)(A)); INA 212(f) (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)); INA 221(g) (8 U.S.C. 1201(g)).
9 FAM 302.7-1(B) (U) United States Code
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
(U) 8 U.S.C. 1182e; 8 U.S.C. 1182f; 18 U.S.C. 2340; 18 U.S.C. 2441; 18 U.S.C. 2442; 18 U.S.C. 1091(a); 22 U.S.C. 2151n; 22 U.S.C. 2304; 22 U.S.C. 4028; 22 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.
9 FAM 302.7-2 Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(A) (U) Background
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
(U) Visa ineligibilities based on human rights violations and abuses can be found in the INA, presidential proclamations, and other statutory schemes. The INA 212(a) grounds cover a limited range of human rights violations and generally do not apply to officials traveling on A or G visa classes. By contrast, Presidential Proclamation (PP) 8697 and Section 7031(c) of the State Department's annual appropriations act ("Section 7031(c)"), cover a broader range of proscribed conduct and apply to individuals traveling for both official and non-official purposes. In many cases, multiple grounds may apply to an applicant.
9 FAM 302.7-2(B) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(B)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
(8) Unavailable
(9) Unavailable
(10) Unavailable
(11) Unavailable
(12) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(B)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(a) Unavailable
(b) Unavailable
(c) Unavailable
(d) Unavailable
(e) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(C) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
d. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(C)(2) (U) Advisory Opinions
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-2(D) (U) Visa Revocations
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
d. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3 (U) Participation in particularly severe Violations of Religious Freedom - INA 212(a)(2)(G)
9 FAM 302.7-3(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(a)(2)(G) requires the refusal of a visa and the denial of entry to any applicant who, while serving as a foreign government official (FGO) was responsible for, or directly carried out, at any time, severe violations of religious freedom.
9 FAM 302.7-3(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-3(B)(1) (U) Particularly Severe Violations of Religious Freedom Defined
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
(U) 22 U.S.C. 6402(11) defines “particularly severe violations of religious freedom” as: systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, including violations such as:
(1) (U) Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment;
(2) (U) Prolonged detention without charges;
(3) (U) Causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction or clandestine detention of those persons; or
(4) (U) Other flagrant denial of the right of life, liberty, or the security of persons.
9 FAM 302.7-3(B)(2) (U) Violations of Religious Freedom Defined
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
(U) Violations of the internationally recognized right to freedom of religion and religious beliefs and practice, as described in 22 U.S.C. 6402(13) include the following violations such as:
(1) (U) Arbitrary prohibitions on, restrictions of, or punishment for:
(a) (U) Assembling for peaceful religious activities such as worship, preaching, and prayer, including arbitrary registration requirements;
(b) (U) Speaking freely about one's religious beliefs;
(c) (U) Changing one's religious beliefs and affiliation;
(d) (U) Not professing a particular religion, or any religion;
(e) (U) Possession and distribution of religious literature, including Bibles; or
(f) (U) Raising one's children in the religious teachings and practices of one's choice; or
(2) (U) Any of the following acts if committed on account of an individual's conscience, non-theistic views, or religious belief or practice:
(a) (U) Detention;
(b) (U) Interrogation;
(c) (U) Imposition of an onerous financial penalty;
(d) (U) Forced labor;
(e) (U) Forced mass resettlement;
(f) (U) Imprisonment;
(g) (U) Forced religious conversion;
(h) (U) Forcibly compelling non-believers or non-theists to recant their beliefs or to convert;
(i) (U) Beating;
(j) (U) Torture;
(k) (U) Mutilation;
(l) (U) Rape;
(m) (U) Enslavement; and
(n) (U) Murder and execution.
9 FAM 302.7-3(B)(3) (U) Foreign Government Officials Defined
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) Per 22 U.S.C. 6402(8) the term “government” or “foreign government” includes any agency or instrumentality of the government. The determination of whether an applicant is an official of a foreign government is dependent on whether the services performed by the applicant are themselves of an inherently governmental character. In determining whether such services rise to the level of making the applicant an FGO, you should assess the applicant's level of responsibility within the government and any policy-making components of the position in question. You should consult with the Visa Office for cases where the applicant’s status as an FGO is not clear.
9 FAM 302.7-3(B)(4) (U) Office of International Religious Freedom (J/IRF)
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. (U) In General: The Office of International Religious Freedom was established within the Department by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act and is headed by the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. The President appoints the Ambassador-at-Large with the advice and consent of the Senate, (22 U.S.C. 6411).
b. (U) Responsibilities of Ambassador-at-Large:
(1) (U) According to 22 U.S.C. 6411(c), the Ambassador-at-Large has the following primary responsibilities:
(a) (U) Advancing the right to freedom of religion abroad;
(b) (U) Denouncing violations of that right, and recommending responses by the U.S. Government when that right is violated;
(c) (U) Acting as a principal advisor to the President and the Secretary on matters affecting religious freedom abroad and, with the advice from the Commission on International Religious Freedom, the Ambassador must make recommendations regarding the policies of the U.S. Government toward governments that violate freedom of religion or that fail to ensure the individual’s right to religious belief, and practice and policies to advance the right to religious freedom abroad;
(d) (U) Subject to the direction of the President and the Secretary of State, acting as the U.S. representative in matters relating to religious freedom abroad; and
(e) (U) Fulfilling the requirements under 22 U.S.C. 6412, including preparing the annual International Religious Freedom Report and sections of the annual Human Rights Report relating to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination based on religion and those portions of other information provided Congress under 22 U.S.C. 2151n and 22 U.S.C. 2304 that relate to the right to freedom of religion.
(2) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3(C) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
Unavailable
(1) (U) The applicant served as a foreign government official (FGO) from a country cited by the Human Rights Report and/or the Annual Report on International Religious Freedom as having committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom; and
(2) (U) You reasonably believe the applicant, during their official tenure and at any time preceding the date of application, has engaged in, was responsible for, or directly carried out particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
9 FAM 302.7-3(C)(3) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-3(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-200; 09-30-2016)
(U) There is no waiver of INA 212(a)(2)(G) for immigrants.
9 FAM 302.7-3(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(d)(3)(A) waiver provisions apply to nonimmigrants ineligible under INA 212(a)(2)(G).
9 FAM 302.7-3(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-3(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-4 (U) PARTICIPATION IN NAZI PERSECUTIONS - INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i)
9 FAM 302.7-4(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i) renders ineligible for a visa any applicant who participated in the persecution of any person because of race, religion, national origin, or political opinion during the period from March 23, 1933, to May 8, 1945, under the direction of or in association with the Nazi Government of Germany or an allied or occupied government.
9 FAM 302.7-4(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(1) (U) Applicants Presumed Ineligible
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. Unavailable
b. (U) Criminal Organizations: The Leadership Corps of the Nazi Party, the Gestapo, the SD, and the SS were found by the International Military Tribunal to be criminal organizations. The Tribunal concluded that these groups were utilized for purposes involving the persecution and extermination of the Jews, brutalities and killings in concentration camps, the administration of the slave labor program, excesses in the administration of occupied territories, and the mistreatment and murder of prisoners of war.
(1) (U) Leadership Corps of Nazi Party (NSDAP): The Leadership Corps was the governing cadre of the Nazi Party (NSDAP). Membership at all levels was voluntary. The Corps included full-time employees ranging from heads of the various main departments and offices attached to the Party’s Reich Directorate to persons with territorial jurisdiction over a single area as large as a country.
(2) (U) GESTAPO-Geheime Staatspolizei (German Secret State Police): In 1936, the German police forces were centralized under Himmler and reorganized into two new offices: The Gendarmerie and municipal police and the Sicherheitspolizei, consisting of the criminal police and the political police. The Gestapo was the active branch of the political police and had authority to commit persons to concentration camps. During the war years, the Gestapo also supervised prisoners of war.
(3) (U) SD-Sicherheitsdienst des Reichsfuehreres SS (Security Service of Police Organization of Nazi Party): The SD, which began as an intelligence agency, was a security service engaged in police work in Germany and behind the lines in occupied territories.
(4) (U) SS-Schutzstaffel der NSDAP (Defense Echelon of Nazi Party): The SS was established as an elite bodyguard and security force for top Nazi leaders, replacing by the mid-1930’s the Nazi Storm Troopers (the SA or Sturmabteilung), a mass paramilitary organization which played an important role in Hitler’s rise to power. By the end of the war, the SS included the regular and security police as well as divisions of combat troops. For membership purposes, the SS was divided into two categories: The Allgemeine SS (General SS) and the Waffen SS (Armed or Military SS).
(a) (U) Allegmeine SS: While the Allgemeine SS was officially charged with other, non-criminal duties, some Allgemeine SS members did, in fact, staff and administer agencies which were responsible for carrying out policies of persecution throughout Germany and occupied Europe. These agencies included the:
(i) (U) SD;
(ii) (U) Gestapo;
(iii) (U) Office of the Reich Commissar for the Strengthening of German Nationhood;
(iv) (U) Race and Settlement Main Office;
(v) (U) Regionally based SS and Police Leaders;
(vi) (U) Order Police; and
(vii) (U) SS Death’s Head units.
(b) (U) Waffen SS: The Waffen SS developed out of the pre-war Special Service Troops (SS Verfugungstruppe), whose original purpose was to provide an ideologically loyal military response to a potential coup against the Nazi regime by the German Armed Forces. With the outbreak of the war, these units were expanded into an SS army which the Nazi leadership hoped would one day replace the traditional German Army. While the Waffen SS did include many front-line combat units, its members were deeply implicated in the persecution, mass murder, and other war crimes committed against innocent civilians and prisoners of war. The Waffen SS was directly involved in countless deportation, shooting, and anti-partisan actions, the purpose of which was the tracking down and extermination of persons and groups slated for death by the Nazi regime. It supplied personnel to and assisted the Einsatzgruppen which rounded up people for forced labor, concentration camps, and executions. Many Waffen SS units were composed of renegades and collaborators recruited from among the peoples of the occupied territories.
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(2) (U) Other Applicants Suspected of Ineligibility
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) Applicants who engaged in activities proscribed by INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i) are ineligible for visas regardless of whether they were members of one of the “criminal organizations” described in 9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(1) above. Evidence of possible ineligibility may be found in:
(1) (U) The visa application;
(2) (U) The applicant’s statements;
(3) (U) A check of post files; or
(4) (U) In outside information available to you.
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(3) (U) Initial Interview of Potentially Ineligible Applicants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
(U) The following lines of inquiry should be pursued when the applicant affirmatively answers the questions related to genocide on either Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application or DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application and Registration, or when other information relating to the application indicates the possibility of ineligibility under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i).
(1) (U) Certain German or Austrian Applicants: If the applicant was a German or Austrian national during the period encompassed by INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i) and there is reason to believe they may be ineligible under that section, you inquire whether the applicant:
(a) (U) Was ever a member of, or in any way affiliated with, any of the following organizations:
(i) (U) The Leadership Corps of the Nazi Party;
(ii) (U) The Gestapo (Geheime Staatspolizei);
(iii) (U) The SD (Sicherheitsdienst des Reichsfuhrer SS); or
(iv) (U) The SS (Schultzstaffel der NSDAP), including the Allgemeine SS and Waffen SS.
(b) (U) Was ever a member or affiliate of a police unit or ever performed police duties in any territory occupied by or allied with the Nazi Government of Germany; and
(c) (U) Ever served as a guard or received military training at an extermination, concentration, or prisoner-of-war (POW) camp under the control of the Nazi Government of Germany, or the government of any area occupied by or allied with the Nazi Government of Germany.
(2) (U) Non-German or Austrian Nationals: In the case of possibly ineligible applicants from countries allied with or occupied by Nazi Germany during the relevant period (see 9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(5) and 9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(6) below), the same inquiries specified in paragraph a above should be pursued concerning the applicant’s activities and their possible association with organizations involved in persecutions. Many, but not all, such organizations are listed in 9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(7) below.
(3) Unavailable
(a) (U) Specific identification of the organization(s) and/or unit(s) with which the applicant served;
(b) (U) Inclusive dates of service in each organization or unit;
(c) (U) The activities or mission of each organization or unit;
(d) (U) The applicant’s rank or position therein;
(e) (U) The duties and responsibilities of the applicant;
(f) (U) The applicant’s duty station(s), if applicable; and
(g) (U) The names of the applicant’s commanding officers or superiors.
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(4) (U) Availability of Records from Berlin Document Center
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
a. Unavailable
b. (U) Requesting Information from Bundesarchiv:
(1) Unavailable
(2) (U) Upon receipt of the BUNDESARCHIV summary, you should schedule a visa interview and ask the applicant to bring any pertinent documentation.
c. (U) Reinterview Based on Bundesarchiv Summaries:
(1) (U) Following receipt of a BUNDESARCHIV summary, you should:
(a) (U) Re-interview the applicant in depth regarding their military or civilian government service and their other activities during the 1933 to 1945 period; and
(b) (U) Ask explicit questions regarding the applicant’s participation in and/or awareness of the activities proscribed by INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i).
(2) (U) Attention should be paid to any apparent discrepancies between the applicant’s statements and the BUNDESARCHIV summary.
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(5) (U) Governments Allied with Nazi Germany
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
a. (U) Bulgaria;
b. (U) Hungary;
c. (U) Italy (Oct. 25, 1936, to Sept. 3, 1943);
d. (U) Japan (Nov. 25, 1936, to May 8, 1945);
e. (U) Romania; and
f. (U) USSR (Aug. 23, 1939, to June 22, 1941)
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(6) (U) Countries or Areas Occupied by Germany and/or Nazi-Aligned Governments
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
a. (U) Albania;
b. (U) Austria;
c. (U) Belgium;
d. (U) Channel Islands (U. K.);
e. (U) Czechoslovakia;
f. (U) Denmark;
g. (U) Estonia;
h. (U) France;
i. (U) Greece;
j. (U) Latvia;
k. (U) Lithuania;
l. (U) Luxembourg;
m. (U) Netherlands;
n. (U) Norway;
o. (U) Poland;
p. (U) Parts of the Former USSR; and
q. (U) Yugoslavia Former.
9 FAM 302.7-4(B)(7) (U) Organizations Under the Direction of the Nazi Government of Germany
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. (U) Albania:
(1) (U) Albanian Fascist Militia;
(2) (U) Albanian Fascist Party.
b. (U) Armenia:
(1) (U) Dashnags.
c. (U) Belgium:
(1) (U) De Vlag (The Flag);
(2) (U) Rex Movement;
(3) (U) Vlaamech Nationaal Verbond (Flemish National Movement).
d. (U) Bulgaria:
(1) (U) Sigurnost (State Security Police);
(2) (U) International Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO);
(3) (U) Motorized Police;
(4) (U) Rodna Zashtita (Defense of the Fatherland and the Race);
(5) (U) Uniformina Politsia (Uniformed Police);
(6) (U) Voenna Politsia (Military Police).
e. (U) Czechoslovakia:
(1) (U) Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei (NSDAP);
(2) (U) Deutsche Partei;
(3) (U) Elite Guard Death's Head Batallions;
(4) (U) Free Corps;
(5) (U) Freiwillige Schutzstaffel;
(6) (U) Hlinka Guard;
(7) (U) SS Einsatzstaffel;
(8) (U) SS Einsatztruppe;
(9) (U) Svatoplukova Garda;
(10) (U) Vlajka;
(11) (U) Volksspor.
f. (U) Estonia:
(1) (U) Einsatzgruppe;
(2) (U) Estonion Legion;
(3) (U) Estonian Police;
(4) (U) Schutzmannschaften;
(5) (U) SD;
(6) (U) SS.
g. (U) France:
(1) (U) Charlemagne SS Division;
(2) (U) Francisme;
(3) (U) French Police;
(4) (U) Legion des Volontaires Francais contre le Bolchevisme (LVF);
(5) (U) Parti Populaire Francaise (PPF);
(6) (U) Rassemblement National Populaire (RNP).
h. (U) Greece:
(1) (U) Security Corps.
i. (U) Holland:
(1) (U) Algemeine SS Vlaanderen;
(2) (U) Dutch SS;
(3) (U) NSB (Nationaal Socialistische Beweging);
(4) (U) NSB Weerafdelingen (Storm Detachment).
j. (U) Hungary:
(1) (U) Arrow Cross Party (Nyilas or Pfeilkreutzler);
(2) (U) Awakening Hungarians (Ebredo Magyarok);
(3) (U) Berczenyui League (Berczenyi Egyesulet);
(4) (U) Deutsche Mannschaft;
(5) (U) Heimatschutz;
(6) (U) Hungarian Gendarmerie (Nagyar Kiralyi Czendorseg);
(7) (U) Hungarian Waffen SS;
(8) (U) Hunyadi Division (Hunyadi Hadoztaly);
(9) (U) Order of Heroes (Vitezi Rend);
(10) (U) Ragged Guard (Rongyos Guarda);
(11) (U) Turanian Hunters (Turani Vadaszok);
(12) (U) Volksbund der Deutschen in Ungarn.
k. (U) Latvia:
(1) (U) Aisbargi;
(2) (U) Arajs Command;
(3) (U) Einsatzgruppe;
(4) (U) Latvian Legion;
(5) (U) Latvian Police;
(6) (U) Perkonkrusts;
(7) (U) Schutzmannschaften;
(8) (U) SD;
(9) (U) SS.
l. (U) Lithuania:
(1) (U) Einsatzgruppe;
(2) (U) Iron Wolf (Gelezinis Vilkas);
(3) (U) Lithuanian Police;
(4) (U) Schutzmannschaften;
(5) (U) SD;
(6) (U) SS.
m. (U) Norway:
(1) (U) Norwegian Police;
(2) (U) Nasjonal Samling.
n. (U) Poland:
(1) (U) Deutsche Mannschaft;
(2) (U) Einstzgruppe;
(3) (U) Einsatzstaffel;
(4) (U) Hilfspolizei;
(5) (U) Order Police;
(6) (U) Polish Police;
(7) (U) SD;
(8) (U) Selbstschutz;
(9) (U) Sonderdienst;
(10) (U) SS.
o. (U) Romania:
(1) (U) Iron Guard;
(2) (U) Legion of Archangel Michael;
(3) (U) Romanian Gendarmerie.
p. (U) Russia:
(1) (U) Cossak Units;
(2) (U) Vlassov Army (Russian Army of Liberation).
q. (U) (U) Ukraine:
(1) (U) Einsatzgruppe;
(2) (U) Galician Division;
(3) (U) Office for Ukrainian Affairs in Germany;
(4) (U) Schutzmannschaft;
(5) (U) SD;
(6) (U) SS;
(7) (U) Ukrainian Aid Committee (Ukrainisches Hilfskomite);
(8) (U) Ukrainian Military Association (UWO - Ukrainska Wyskowa Organizeja);
(9) (U) Ukrainian Partisan Army (UPA);
(10) (U) Ukrainian Police.
r. (U) Yugoslavia:
(1) (U) Croatia:
(a) (U) Association of Yugoslav Moslems (Elhiadaje);
(b) (U) Croat Blue (Flava) Division;
(c) (U) Croatian Gendarmerie (Oruznistvo);
(d) (U) Crusaders (Krizari);
(e) (U) Devil (Vraza) Division;
(f) (U) Prinz Eugen SS Division;
(g) (U) SD;
(h) (U) Specialist Political Police;
(i) (U) SS;
(j) (U) 13th. SS Handzar Division;
(k) (U) Ustas (Ustachi).
(2) (U) Slovenia:
(a) (U) Slovene Homeguard (Slovene Domobrans).
(3) (U) Serbia:
(a) (U) Prinz Eugen SS Division;
(b) (U) Serbian Volunteer Corps;
(c) (U) Special Police (Belgrade);
(d) (U) Zbor.
9 FAM 302.7-4(C) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-4(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-4(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-4(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-4(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) There is no waiver relief available to immigrants who are ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i).
9 FAM 302.7-4(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) There is no waiver relief available to nonimmigrants who are ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(i).
9 FAM 302.7-4(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-4(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-4(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5 (U) Participation in Genocide - INA 212(a)(3)(E)(ii)
9 FAM 302.7-5(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(a)(3)(E)(ii) provides that applicants are ineligible if they ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in genocide, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1091(a).
9 FAM 302.7-5(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-5(B)(1) (U) In General
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) To find applicants ineligible because of participation in genocide, you must conclude that they:
(1) (U) Ordered genocide;
(2) (U) Conspired to commit genocide;
(3) (U) Directly and publicly incited another to commit genocide;
(4) (U) Attempted to commit genocide; or
(5) (U) Assisted or otherwise participated in genocide.
9 FAM 302.7-5(B)(2) (U) Defining Genocide
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. Unavailable
b. (U) Elements of Genocide: According to 18 U.S.C. 1091(a), genocide means any of the following acts committed, whether in time of peace or time of war, with the specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, as such:
(1) (U) Killing members of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group;
(2) (U) Causing serious bodily injury to members of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group;
(3) (U) Causing the permanent impairment of the mental faculties of members of a national, ethic, racial or religious group through drugs, torture, or similar techniques;
(4) (U) Subjecting a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group to conditions of life that are intended to cause the physical destruction of the group in whole or in part;
(5) (U) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group; or
(6) (U) Transferring by force children of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group to another group.
c. (U) Intent to Commit Genocide: An individual cannot be found ineligible under this group unless you conclude that in ordering, inciting, assisting, or otherwise participating in one of the acts outlined in 9 FAM 302.7-5(B)(2) paragraph b above, the applicant was motivated by a specific intent to destroy, in whole or in substantial part, the national, ethnic, racial, or religious group(s) being targeted as such. War crimes, per se, do not constitute genocide absent the specific intent to destroy one of these groups, as such, as required by the definition of genocide at 18 U.S.C. 1091(a), as explained in 9 FAM 302.7-5(B)(2) paragraph b above (although war crimes could form the basis of an ineligibility under Presidential Proclamation 8697 “Suspension of Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Participate in Serious Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Violations and Other Abuses”). See 9 FAM 302.14-3(B)(3) on Presidential Proclamation 8697.
9 FAM 302.7-5(C) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(C)(3) (U) Genocide Committed Under Government Authority
(CT:VISA-53; 02-22-2016)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(C)(4) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-5(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) There is no waiver relief available to immigrants who are ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(ii).
9 FAM 302.7-5(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) There is no waiver relief available to nonimmigrants who are ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(ii).
9 FAM 302.7-5(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-5(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6 (U) Participation in Torture - INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii)
9 FAM 302.7-6(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii) makes ineligible any applicant who, outside of the United States, has committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the commission of any act of torture under color of law as defined under 18 U.S.C. 2340.
9 FAM 302.7-6(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(1) (U) In General
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(2) (U) Defining Torture
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
a. (U) In General: As mandated by the INA, the definition of torture to be used in the application of this ground of ineligibility is found at 18 U.S.C. 2340.
b. (U) Elements of Torture: According to 18 U.S.C. 2340 torture is:
(1) (U) An act;
(2) (U) Committed by a person;
(3) (U) Acting under the color of law;
(4) (U) Specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain and suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanction);
(5) (U) Upon another person within their custody or physical control. See 18 U.S.C. 2340(1).
c. (U) Acts by Private Individuals: Actions by private individuals not acting under color of law do not constitute torture for purposes of this ground of ineligibility. "Color of law" is defined below.
d. (U) Definition of "Severe Mental Pain or Suffering”: “The prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from:
(1) (U) The intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering;
(2) (U) The administration or application, or threatened administration or application, of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or the personality;
(3) (U) The threat of imminent death; or
(4) (U) The threat that another person will imminently be subjected to death, severe physical pain or suffering, or the administration or application of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or personality.” See 18 U.S.C. 2340(2).
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(3) (U) Color of Law
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
(U) For INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii) purposes, "color of law" applies when an official person acts, purports, or pretends to act in the performance of official duties. Also consider the following when evaluating color of law:
(1) (U) Off-duty conduct may be covered under the color of law standard if the perpetrator asserts their official status in some way.
(2) (U) Public officials who are not law enforcement officers, such as judges and prosecutors, or even nongovernmental employees also may assert authority under color of law.
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(4) (U) Command Responsibility
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
a. (U) In General: The INA language “committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participate in” is intended to reach behavior of persons directly or personally associated with the covered acts, including those with command or superior responsibility. An applicant may be found ineligible not only for the commission of an act of torture, but also for planning, ordering, authorizing, encouraging, or permitting subordinates to commit torture, or exercising command responsibility over, conspiring with, aiding and abetting such forces in their commission of, such abuses.
b. (U) Application of Command Responsibility: When applying this ground of ineligibility, command responsibility can refer to the responsibility of a military commander, a person effectively acting as a military commander or other superior, including non-military contexts, for unlawful acts when:
(1) (U) The forces who committed the abuses or unlawful acts were subordinates of the commander or superior (i.e., they were under the superior or commander’s control either as a matter of law or as a matter of fact);
(2) (U) The superior or commander knew or, considering the circumstances at the time, should have known, that the subordinates had committed, were committing, or were about to commit unlawful acts; and
(3) (U) The superior or commander failed to prove that they have taken the necessary and reasonable measures to (a) prevent or stop the subordinates from committing such acts or (b) investigate the acts committed by subordinates in a genuine effort to punish the perpetrators.
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(5) (U) "Otherwise Participated in" Encompasses "Attempts" and "Conspiracies"
(CT:VISA-127; 05-10-2016)
a. (U) In General: Attempts and conspiracies to commit torture under this ground are encompassed in the "otherwise participated in" language in the law.
b. (U) Defining Attempt: It will be considered an attempt if the individual:
(1) (U) Intends to commit, order, incite, assist, or otherwise participate in acts of torture as defined above; and
(2) (U) Performs any overt act constituting a substantial step towards committing, ordering, inciting, assisting or otherwise participating in torture. The overt act itself need not be a crime.
c. (U) Defining Conspiracy: It will be considered a conspiracy if the individual:
(1) (U) Knowingly agrees with at least one other individual to commit, order, incite, assist, or otherwise participate in torture; and
(2) (U) Any one of the conspirators commits an overt act in furtherance of the agreement. The overt act itself need not be a crime.
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(6) (U) Incitement
(CT:VISA-127; 05-10-2016
a. (U) In General: Incitement is speech that intends to induce and specifically calls on another person to imminently participate in acts of torture.
b. (U) There Must Be a Clear Link between Speech and Torture: Normally speech will not rise to the level of "inciting" unless there is a clear link between the speech and an actual effort to participate in torture, including proximity in time. It connotes speech that is not merely an expression of views but that directs or induces action, typically in a volatile situation. Normally, "incitement" will not include an individual exercising free speech.
c. (U) Incitement without Torture: The applicant may have incited participation in torture even if such acts do not actually occur (e.g., because an attempt to commit such activity was thwarted).
9 FAM 302.7-6(B)(7) (U) A, G, and NATO Applicants
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(C) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
b. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(C)(3) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
(8) Unavailable
(9) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(C)(4) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-6(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
(U) There is no waiver available for IV applicants found ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii) based on the commission of acts of torture.
9 FAM 302.7-6(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-6(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7 (U) Participation in Extrajudicial Killings - INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii)
9 FAM 302.7-7(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii) makes ineligible any applicant who, outside of the United States, has under color of law committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the commission of an extrajudicial killing as defined in section 3(a) of the Torture Victim Protection Act of 1991 (“TVPA”), 28 U.S.C. 1350.
9 FAM 302.7-7(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(1) (U) In General
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(2) (U) Defining Extrajudicial Killing
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. (U) In General: As mandated by the INA, the definition of extrajudicial killing to be used in the application of this ground of ineligibility is that found in section 3(a) of the Torture Victims Protection Act of 1991 (28 U.S.C. 1350 note).
b. (U) Elements of Extrajudicial Killing: According to 28 U.S.C. 1350 note extrajudicial killing is:
(1) (U) A deliberated killing;
(2) (U) Not authorized by a previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples. Such term, however, does not include any such killing that, under international law, is lawfully carried out under the authority of a foreign nation. TVPA Section 3(a), 28 U.S.C. 1350 note.
c. (U) Acts by Private Individuals: Actions by private individuals not acting under color of law do not constitute extrajudicial killing for purposes of this ground of ineligibility.
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(3) (U) Color of Law
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
(U) For INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii) purposes, "color of law" applies when an official person acts, purports or pretends to act in the performance of official duties. Also consider the following when evaluating color of law:
(1) (U) Off-duty conduct may be covered under the color of law standard if the perpetrator asserts their official status in some way.
(2) (U) Public officials who are not law enforcement officers, such as judges and prosecutors, or even nongovernmental employees also may assert authority under color of law.
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(4) (U) Command Responsibility
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. (U) In General: The INA language “committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participate in” is intended to reach behavior of persons directly or personally associated with the covered acts, including those with command or superior responsibility. See Senate Report 108-209 (Anti-Atrocity Applicant Deportation Act of 2003). An applicant may be found ineligible not only for the commission of an act of extrajudicial killing, but also for planning, ordering, authorizing, encouraging, or permitting subordinates to commit extrajudicial killing, or exercising command responsibility over, conspiring with, aiding and abetting such forces in their commission of, such abuses.
b. (U) Application of Command Responsibility: When applying this ground of ineligibility, command responsibility can refer to the responsibility of a military commander, a person effectively acting as a military commander or other superior, including non-military contexts, for unlawful acts when:
(1) (U) The forces who committed the abuses or unlawful acts were subordinates of the commander or superior (i.e., they were under the superior or commander’s control either as a matter of law or as a matter of fact);
(2) (U) The superior or commander knew or, considering the circumstances at the time, should have known, that the subordinates had committed, were committing, or were about to commit unlawful acts; and
(3) (U) The superior or commander failed to prove that they have taken the necessary and reasonable measures to (a) prevent or stop the subordinates from committing such acts or (b) investigate the acts committed by subordinates in a genuine effort to punish the perpetrators.
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(5) (U) "Participated in" includes "Attempts" and "Conspiracies"
(CT:VISA-127; 05-10-2016)
a. (U) In General: Attempts and conspiracies to commit extrajudicial killing under this ground are encompassed in the "otherwise participated" language.
b. (U) Defining Attempt: It will be considered an attempt if the individual:
(1) (U) Intends to commit, order, incite, assist, or otherwise participate in acts of extrajudicial killing as defined above; and
(2) (U) Performs any overt act constituting a substantial step towards committing, ordering, inciting, assisting or otherwise participating in extrajudicial killing. The overt act itself need not be a crime.
c. (U) Defining Conspiracy: It will be considered a conspiracy if the individual:
(1) (U) Knowingly agrees with at least one other individual to commit, order, incite, assist, or otherwise participate in extrajudicial killing; and
(2) (U) Any one of the conspirators commits an overt act in furtherance of the agreement. The overt act itself need not be a crime.
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(6) (U) Incitement
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. (U) In General: Incitement is speech that intends to induce and specifically calls on another person to imminently participate in acts of extrajudicial killing.
b. (U) Clear Link between Speech and Extrajudicial Killing: Normally speech will not rise to the level of "inciting" unless there is a clear link between the speech and an actual effort to participate in extrajudicial killing, including proximity in time. It connotes speech that is not merely an expression of views but that directs or induces action, typically in a volatile situation. Normally, "incitement" will not include an individual exercising free speech.
c. (U) Incitement without Killing: The applicant may have incited participation in extrajudicial killing even if such acts do not actually occur (e.g., because an attempt to commit such activity was thwarted).
9 FAM 302.7-7(B)(7) (U) A, G, and NATO Applicants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(C) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
b. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(C)(3) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
(8) Unavailable
(9) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(C)(4) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-7(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
(U) There is no waiver available for IV applicants found ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(E)(iii) based on the commission of an act of extrajudicial killing.
9 FAM 302.7-7(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-7(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8 (U) Participation in the Use or Recruitment of Child Soldiers - INA 212(a)(3)(G)
9 FAM 302.7-8(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) INA 212(a)(3)(G) makes ineligible any applicant who has engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers (persons under the age of 15) in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2442.
9 FAM 302.7-8(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-8(B)(1) (U) In General
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. (U) Under 18 U.S.C. 2442, it is a criminal offense for anyone to:
(1) (U) Have knowingly recruited, enlisted, or conscripted a person to serve while such person is under 15 years of age in an armed force or group, knowing that the person is under 15 years of age; or
(2) (U) Have knowingly used a person under 15 years of age to participate actively in hostilities, knowing that the person is under 15 years of age; or
(3) (U) Have attempted or conspired to violate paragraphs (1) or (2).
b. (U) Applicants who have engaged in the activities described in subsection (a) above are ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(G). A conviction or indictment under 18 U.S.C. 2442, or under any other domestic or foreign statute, by a U.S. or foreign court, is not required.
c. (U) The ground of ineligibility is retroactive, so actions taken at any time can make an applicant ineligible.
d. (U) An applicant may have engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2442 but may not have been physically proximate to the location of the violation. Therefore, the physical proximity of the applicant to the violation is not necessarily determinative of whether this provision applies.
9 FAM 302.7-8(B)(2) (U) Definitions
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) For purposes of INA 212(a)(3)(G), or other purposes as specifically indicated below:
(1) (U) "Child" in this context refers to a person under 15 years of age;
(2) (U) "Recruitment," or variations thereof, refers to any act of recruitment, enlistment, or conscription into an armed group or armed force or any attempt or conspiracy to recruit, enlist, or conscript into an armed group or armed force, even if the relevant action occurred during peace time and the child was never involved in combat or other military activities related to combat;
(3) (U) "Use" refers to any use of child soldiers for active participation in hostilities;
(4) (U) "Armed force or group" refers to any army, militia, or other military organization, whether it is state-sponsored, excluding any group assembled solely for nonviolent political association, consistent with the definition in 18 U.S.C. 2442(d)(2);
(5) (U) "Active participation in hostilities," means:
(a) (U) Taking part in combat or military activities related to combat, including sabotage, serving as a decoy or courier, or at a military checkpoint; or
(b) (U) Taking part in direct support functions related to combat, including transporting supplies or providing other services.
(c) (U) Active participants in hostilities may include (non-exhaustive):
(i) (U) Combatants;
(ii) (U) Porters;
(iii) (U) Spies or informants;
(iv) (U) Couriers;
(v) (U) Human mine detectors; or
(vi) (U) Executioners.
(d) (U) This definition is consistent with 18 U.S.C. 2442(d)(1).
9 FAM 302.7-8(B)(3) (U) Attempt or Conspiracy to Recruit or Use Child Soldiers
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
a. (U) "Attempt": An applicant may be ineligible for a visa based on attempts to recruit, enlist, or conscript a child into an armed force or group, or any attempt to use a child as an active participant in hostilities. It will be considered an attempt if the individual:
(1) (U) Intends to recruit or use child soldiers as defined in this Act; and
(2) (U) Performs any overt act constituting a substantial step towards recruiting or using child soldiers. The overt act itself does not need to be a crime.
b. (U) "Conspiracy": An applicant may be ineligible based on involvement in a conspiracy to recruit, enlist, or conscript a child into an armed force or group, or a conspiracy to use a child as an active participant in hostilities. It will be considered conspiracy if the individual:
(1) (U) Knowingly agrees with at least one other individual to recruit or use child soldiers; and
(2) (U) Any one of the conspirators commits an overt act in furtherance of the agreement. The overt act itself does not need to be a crime.
9 FAM 302.7-8(B)(4) (U) Gathering Information
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
d. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(B)(5) (U) A, G, and NATO Applicants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(C) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. (U) Include all available information on the following:
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
(8) Unavailable
(9) Unavailable
(10) Unavailable
(11) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-8(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) There is no waiver available for immigrants found ineligible under INA 212(a)(3)(G).
9 FAM 302.7-8(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-8(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9 (U) Participation in Forced or Coercive Abortion or Sterilization - 8 U.S.C. 1182e
9 FAM 302.7-9(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) Section 801, Division A, of the Admiral James W. Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 (8 U.S.C. 1182e) prohibits the issuance of a visa to any foreign national whom the Secretary of State finds, based on credible and specific information, to have been directly involved in the establishment or enforcement of population control policies forcing a woman to undergo an abortion against her free choice or forcing a man or woman to undergo sterilization against their free choice, unless the Secretary has substantial grounds for believing that the foreign national has discontinued their involvement with, and support for, such policies.
9 FAM 302.7-9(B) (U) Application
9 FAM 302.7-9(B)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. (U) In General: 8 U.S.C. 1182e requires that there be a finding, based on credible and specific information, that the applicant was directly involved in the establishment or enforcement of population control policies forcing a woman to undergo an abortion against her free choice or forcing a man or woman to undergo involuntary sterilization against their free choice.
b. Unavailable
(1) (U) An applicant is ineligible, and no AO is needed, if the applicant meets the criteria of any of the following categories:
(a) Unavailable
(i) Unavailable
(ii) Unavailable
(iii) Unavailable
(iv) Unavailable
(v) Unavailable
(b) Unavailable
(i) Unavailable
(ii) Unavailable
(iii) Unavailable
(iv) Unavailable
(c) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
c. Unavailable
d. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(a) Unavailable
(b) Unavailable
(c) Unavailable
(d) Unavailable
(i) Unavailable
(ii) Unavailable
(e) Unavailable
(i) Unavailable
(A) Unavailable
(B) Unavailable
(C) Unavailable
(D) Unavailable
(E) Unavailable
(F) Unavailable
(ii) Unavailable
(A) Unavailable
(B) Unavailable
(C) Unavailable
(I) Unavailable
(II) Unavailable
(D) Unavailable
(iii) Unavailable
(A) Unavailable
(B) Unavailable
(C) Unavailable
(D) Unavailable
(E) Unavailable
(F) Unavailable
(I) Unavailable
(II) Unavailable
(III) Unavailable
(G) Unavailable
(H) Unavailable
(I) Unavailable
(J) Unavailable
(K) Unavailable
(iv) Unavailable
(A) Unavailable
(B) Unavailable
(C) Unavailable
(D) Unavailable
(E) Unavailable
(F) Unavailable
(G) Unavailable
(H) Unavailable
(I) Unavailable
(J) Unavailable
(K) Unavailable
(L) Unavailable
(v) Unavailable
(A) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(B)(2) (U) Exception for High Level Officials
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(B)(3) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. (U) Exception in General: Under 8 U.S.C. 1182e, an individual who was directly involved in the establishment and enforcement of population control policies in the past may still be eligible for a visa if there are "substantial grounds" for believing that the applicant both:
(1) (U) has discontinued involvement with such policies; and
(2) (U) no longer supports such policies.
b. Unavailable
c. (U) Requires Complete Discontinued Involvement and Unqualified Renunciation of Support: This exception only applies if the applicant has both completely discontinued involvement with, and renounced support for, such policies without reservation or qualification.
d. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(a) Unavailable
(b) Unavailable
(i) Unavailable
(ii) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(B)(4) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(B)(5) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(C) (U) Advisory Opinions
9 FAM 302.7-9(C)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
d. Unavailable
e. Unavailable
f. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(C)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
(5) Unavailable
(6) Unavailable
(7) Unavailable
(8) Unavailable
(9) Unavailable
(10) Unavailable
b. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
(4) Unavailable
c. Unavailable
(1) Unavailable
(2) Unavailable
(3) Unavailable
d. Unavailable
e. Unavailable
f. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(C)(3) (U) Withdrawing an AO Request
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(C)(4) (U) Advisory Opinion Procedures
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
a. Unavailable
b. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-9(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-1464; 02-02-2022)
a. (U) Generally: A waiver of this section is available if the Secretary of State determines that it is important to the national interest of the United States to do so and provides written notification to the appropriate congressional committees containing a justification for the waiver.
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
d. Unavailable
e. Unavailable
f. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-9(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-1804; 08-01-2023)
a. (U) Generally: A waiver of this section is available with respect to a foreign national if the Secretary of State determines that it is important to the national interest of the United States to do so and provides written notification to the appropriate congressional committees containing a justification for the waiver.
b. Unavailable
c. Unavailable
d. Unavailable
e. Unavailable
f. Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-10 (U) Participation in Coercive Organ or Tissue Transplantation - 8 U.S.C. 1182f
9 FAM 302.7-10(A) (U) Grounds
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) 8 U.S.C. 1182f prohibits the issuance of a visa to any individual whom the Secretary of State finds, based on credible and specific information, to have been directly involved in the coercive transplantation of human organs or bodily tissue, unless there are substantial grounds for believing that the individual has discontinued their involvement with, and support for, such practices.
9 FAM 302.7-10(B) (U) Application
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
(U) 8 U.S.C. 1182f does not apply to an applicant who is a head of state, head of government, or cabinet level minister.
9 FAM 302.7-10(C) (U) Post Procedure: Advisory Opinions
(CT:VISA-1355; 09-01-2021)
(U) If you believe an applicant is covered by 8 U.S.C. 1182f submit an AO to L/CA. See 9 FAM 304.3.
9 FAM 302.7-10(D) (U) Waiver
9 FAM 302.7-10(D)(1) (U) Waivers for Immigrants
(CT:VISA-699; 10-15-2018)
(U) A waiver of 8 U.S.C. 1182f is available if the Secretary of State determines that it is important to the national interest of the United States to do so and provides written notification to the appropriate congressional committees containing a justification for the waiver within 30 days of the issuance of the visa.
9 FAM 302.7-10(D)(2) (U) Waivers for Nonimmigrants
(CT:VISA-699; 10-15-2018)
(U) A waiver of 8 U.S.C. 1182f is available if the Secretary of State determines that it is important to the national interest of the United States to do so and provides written notification to the appropriate congressional committees containing a justification for the waiver within 30 days of the issuance of the visa.
9 FAM 302.7-10(E) Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-10(E)(1) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-578; 04-25-2018)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-10(E)(2) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1585; 07-26-2022)
Unavailable
9 FAM 302.7-11 (U) PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 8697
(CT:VISA-1972; 04-22-2024)
(U) Please see 9 FAM 302.14-4(C) for information on Presidential Proclamation 8697.