Senator Rick Scott has reintroduced the No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act, which aims to revoke and deny U.S. visas to foreign nationals who are seen as enabling or benefiting from the regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Bolivia. The bill targets current and former officials connected to leaders such as Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela; Hugo Chávez, Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Miguel Díaz-Canel in Cuba; Daniel Ortega and members of the Sandinista Party in Nicaragua; and Evo Morales in Bolivia. It also includes foreign nationals acting on behalf of these governments.
Scott said, “President Trump is taking critical action to hold dictators around the world accountable and get dangerous individuals who came into our country unchecked out of our communities. The president’s recent action to bring Nicolás Maduro to justice proves that the United States will no longer tolerate criminal regimes endangering the United States, trafficking drugs and dangerous criminals into our country, enabling terror, or standing against freedom. To build on that action, we must make clear the United States will, under no circumstances, provide a safe haven for anyone who has helped these regimes commit their evils and destroy lives by passing my No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act. This bill will stop anyone involved with dangerous regimes – standing in direct opposition to the freedoms of our nation and endangering our families, from ever entering the United States.”
The proposed legislation would revoke existing visas and block new visa issuances for individuals supporting or advancing authoritarian regimes in those countries. It covers both people currently inside the U.S. as well as applicants abroad who have been involved in human rights abuses or actions undermining sovereignty in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, or Bolivia. Visa restrictions would apply not only to current and former regime officials but also extend to immediate family members like spouses and children.
Additionally, foreign officials seeking entry into the U.S. for activities related to meetings such as the United Nations General Assembly could face visa restrictions at the discretion of top federal officials.
Senator Scott represents Florida in the Senate where he works on committees related to aging issues, budgeting concerns, national security matters according to his official website. He began serving as a senator after being sworn in during January 2019 and maintains offices across several cities including Naples and Tampa.
Scott’s background includes service in the U.S. Navy before moving into business leadership roles as detailed on his website. He regularly shares updates about legislative proposals such as this bill through his official channels and participates actively across multiple Senate committees.
