FPA Statement on restriction of the Press

The FPA applauds the reporters who stayed away from the Press Pool following the White House’s exclusion of targeted press. As a further indication of the administration's denial of press freedom, the administration has ordered that from October 1 applicants for foreign journalists’ I-visas,  must now open their social media settings to “public.” 

The reverse of a shield law, it is intended to intimidate objective journalism and invites foreign governments to retaliate with reciprocal vetting on American journalists.This followed fast on last week’s court  block on the Administration's plans to restrict duration I visas, and can be seen as yet another manifestation of its hostility to both press and foreigners. 

Ian Williams 

President, Foreign Press Association