The U.S. State Department has announced a new policy that restricts visa issuance to foreign government officials who assist fugitives in evading the American justice system. Secretary Antony Blinken shared that the “Fallon Smart Policy” is aimed at deterring foreign officials from aiding individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes from escaping U.S. justice.
In a statement, Blinken noted that the policy is named after a 15-year-old girl, Fallon Smart, who was killed when she was struck by a car whose driver fled the scene in Oregon in 2016. He pointed out that the foreign national accused of Fallon’s death left the United States to avoid prosecution for murder. Blinken stated, “The State Department is committed to deterring and holding accountable foreign governments involved in helping fugitives from the U.S. justice system.”
The new visa restriction policy reflects the United States' commitment to supporting fair judicial processes and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
