The European Union just took a major step to protect its borders — and the U.S. should follow.

In response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and a rise in sabotage and cyberattacks linked to Russia, the EU has tightened visa rules for Russian citizens.

Multiple-entry visas have been suspended, and each Russian applicant must now apply every time they wish to enter Europe. Only dissidents, journalists, and immediate family members of EU residents are exempt.

This isn’t about punishing ordinary people — it’s about protecting national security. The U.S. has seen the same kinds of threats: cyberattacks, election interference, and the misuse of international travel for covert operations.

That’s why we’re calling on the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to:

• Suspend all multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens while the war continues
• Implement enhanced screening for all new visa applications
• Prioritize visas only for dissidents, human rights defenders, and family members of U.S. residents
• Monitor and close loopholes, like third-country passports being used to bypass restrictions

We cannot afford to be naïve about the risks. The EU has openly stated that “traveling freely is a privilege, not a right,” especially for citizens of a country whose government is actively waging war and engaging in sabotage across borders. That same standard should apply in the U.S.

This is not a call for a blanket ban on all Russian travelers. It's a targeted, security-based measure to limit access to those who pose a potential threat — while still welcoming those who need refuge from oppression.

With rising global instability, the U.S. must act decisively to protect its people, infrastructure, and democratic systems from foreign threats. Visa programs must reflect today's realities, not yesterday's assumptions.

Sign this petition to demand that U.S. officials strengthen visa rules for Russian nationals linked to credible security risks. The EU acted — now it’s our turn.