The Trump administration has taken significant steps to reform diplomatic travel norms. These changes are especially well-timed with the new session of the UN General Assembly, convening on September 22nd. Last week, the US administration extended a waiver that would allow the Syrian delegation greater freedom of movement throughout the event. This decision reflects a broader strategy aimed at strengthening ties with Syria following the ouster of Bashar Assad last year.
They transit through third countries where they face limited and restricted access to other countries, sometimes including their own government. At the same time, the administration has reportedly been exploring delegation bans with tougher limits for countries such as Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Brazil. This two-pronged approach reinforces the administration’s desire to strengthen diplomatic ties while keeping a critical eye on select countries.
The US has previously moved to limit Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. They refused to allow them visas to take part in the UN session. The Iranian diplomats in New York operate under very tight restrictions on their movement. Most recently proposals have emerged that would go even further to curtail their access to critical services. One such proposal aims to bar Iranian diplomats from patronizing large wholesale retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club unless they receive explicit permission from the State Department.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be one to watch as he assumes a leading role at the UN General Assembly. As Governor Brown traditionally does, he’ll address delegates on the opening day of the event. President Trump has so far been very explicit with his hostility to Lula’s government. In particular, he aims to galvanize support for prosecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro for coup attempts. This tension between the two leaders has added another layer of complexity to the already rocky discussions taking place over the future of diplomatic relations.
Unsurprisingly, the Trump administration is intensifying its crackdown on visa applicants. They are, at long last, auditing the people who have legal entries to the United States now. This nationwide crackdown reflects a broader GOP strategy. It strikes an important balance in protecting US foreign policy interests without compromising the integrity and necessity of important diplomatic engagement.
