International fact-check group ‘deeply concerned’ over reports of US visa curbs on fact-checkers

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has expressed “deep concern” following reports that the United States has begun restricting visa access for fact-checkers from several countries, potentially hampering global efforts to combat misinformation.

Multiple fact-checking organizations have reported unusual delays and denials in visa applications over recent months, according to sources familiar with the situation. These restrictions have primarily affected fact-checkers from developing nations in South Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America.

“The ability for fact-checkers to travel internationally and collaborate is essential to our collective mission of defending truth in the digital age,” said Maria Rodriguez, director of the IFCN, which represents over 100 fact-checking organizations worldwide. “These reported restrictions create significant barriers to knowledge sharing at a time when misinformation is increasingly transnational in nature.”

The visa complications come at a particularly sensitive time, with major elections scheduled in more than 50 countries this year, including the United States presidential election in November. Fact-checking experts have warned that cross-border coordination is crucial to identifying and countering sophisticated disinformation campaigns that often originate in one region but target audiences globally.

Several affected organizations have reported that their staff members were denied visas despite having previously traveled to the U.S. without issue. In some cases, applicants were rejected after lengthy administrative processing periods, while others received no clear explanation for the denials.

The U.S. State Department has not officially confirmed any policy change regarding visas for fact-checkers. When contacted for comment, a department spokesperson stated that visa applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis according to U.S. immigration law, adding that they cannot discuss individual cases due to confidentiality requirements.

Digital rights advocates have expressed alarm at the development. “This appears to be part of a troubling global trend of increasing obstacles for journalists and information professionals,” said Carlos Mendez of Digital Rights International. “When fact-checkers can’t meet in person to share techniques and technologies, it weakens the entire information ecosystem.”

The impact has been particularly felt at international fact-checking conferences and training programs. The annual Global Fact summit, scheduled for June in Washington DC, may see significantly reduced participation from international partners according to organizers. Several planned training workshops for fact-checkers from emerging democracies have already been postponed indefinitely.

Industry experts note that in-person collaboration is especially valuable for fact-checkers from countries with limited resources or those facing political pressure. “Many fact-checkers operate in difficult environments where they face threats or censorship,” explained Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a researcher specializing in misinformation at Princeton University. “International gatherings provide not only professional development but also solidarity and protection through visibility.”

The reported restrictions come amid growing recognition of fact-checking’s importance in combating the spread of false information. Major technology platforms including Meta and Google have invested in fact-checking partnerships in recent years, while the European Union has incorporated fact-checking into its Digital Services Act.

Economic implications may also arise if the situation persists. The fact-checking sector has grown substantially over the past decade, with many organizations operating as small businesses or social enterprises. Limited mobility could impact their ability to secure international funding and partnerships that sustain their operations.

The IFCN has called for transparency from U.S. immigration authorities and urged a reconsideration of any policies that may be adversely affecting fact-checkers. The network plans to engage with diplomatic channels to address these concerns.

“Fact-checkers are on the frontlines of defending democratic discourse,” Rodriguez emphasized. “Restricting their ability to collaborate internationally only benefits those who seek to spread falsehoods and division.”

As governments and platforms worldwide grapple with the challenges of misinformation, the visa situation highlights the complex interplay between national security interests and the global nature of information integrity efforts in the digital age.