Immigrant Visa Policy Update: U.S. State Department Tightens 9 FAM 302.5 on Affiliation with Communist or Totalitarian Parties

On June 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of State updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), specifically 9 FAM 302.5, to make sweeping changes concerning immigrant visa eligibility and membership in Communist or totalitarian parties. The revisions significantly expand the definition of “affiliation” with the parties for individuals who have never been official party members, remove certain exceptions, and increase recordkeeping requirements. This update has already adversely affected many pending immigrant visa applications.

Under Section 212(a)(3)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), any immigrant visa applicant (or applicant for adjustment of status) who is or has been a member of the Communist Party or another totalitarian party, including subdivisions, affiliates, and certain related organizations, is generally considered inadmissible to the United States. The statute provides limited exceptions for past membership, involuntary membership, or membership terminated before age sixteen. Consular officers apply this provision through the Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 302.5), which sets forth how “membership” and “affiliation” are defined, what exceptions may apply, and how cases must be documented.

1. Redefined Definition of “Affiliation”

The revised 9 FAM 302.5 reinterprets “affiliation” more broadly. Rather than requiring affirmative support, such as financial contributions or formal party recruitment, the updated version includes ideological support, solidarity, or public endorsement as qualifying conduct. This widens the scope of what immigration officers may deem disqualifying.

2. Affiliation Presumed Through Employment with State-Controlled Entities

The updated guidance now explicitly states that employment or other association with state-owned enterprises, quasi-governmental entities, or certain NGOs in countries dominated by Communist or totalitarian parties will generally constitute affiliation, even if the position itself was nonpolitical. This reflects a significant departure from the previous policy.

Previous version:

• Contained a cautionary note that “rank-and-file” government workers or employees of ordinary public institutions (such as public hospitals or schools) were not presumed to be inadmissible solely based on their employment.
  
  
• Officers were instructed to look for a nexus between the individual’s role and party policy-making or enforcement before concluding affiliation.
  
  

June 10, 2025 Update:

• Removes this protective language entirely.
  
  
• Directs officers to treat employment in state-aligned bodies, whether in managerial or technical roles, as generally indicative of affiliation.
  
  
• Adds the rationale that in totalitarian or Communist systems, such institutions are frequently extensions of the ruling party and therefore part of its apparatus, regardless of the individual’s duties.
  
  

Practical effect: Applicants who previously might have avoided inadmissibility by showing their role was purely administrative or technical in a government department, hospital, or university may now face a presumption of affiliation simply by virtue of the employer’s identity. Already this summer, multiple individuals have contacted our firm after their immigrant visa applications had been denied by the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou based on "affiliation" with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through employment at universities or state-owned companies, despite these individuals never having joined the CCP.

3. Removal of the “Nonmeaningful Membership” Exception

A major substantive change is the elimination of the “nonmeaningful membership” exception, as outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court precedent in Rowoldt v. Perfetto, 355 U.S. 115, 120 (1957). With this judicially-created rule, the U.S. Supreme Court stated, “There must be a substantial basis for finding that an alien committed himself to the Communist Party in consciousness that he was ‘joining an organization known as the Communist Party which operates as a distinct and active political organization….’” But the FAM has now removed this exception. 

• Previous version: Allowed applicants to argue that their party membership was purely nominal or symbolic, such as holding a membership card without participation or benefits,and therefore should not trigger ineligibility.
  
  
• June 10, 2025 Update: Deletes this exception. Even nominal or passive membership can be treated as meaningful if it meets the broadened affiliation definition.

4. Tighter Standards for Involuntary or Past Membership Exceptions

Involuntary or past membership may still qualify for statutory exceptions, but the threshold is higher. Officers must be satisfied by clear and convincing evidence that the membership was involuntary, considering whether the applicant attempted to resign and whether such termination was credible.

5. Mandatory Annotation and Recordkeeping

When exceptions apply, such as involuntary or past membership, the finding must be recorded in the Immigrant Visa Office (IVO) case record and in the DS-260 Security & Background remarks, replacing earlier, more discretionary practices.

6. Material Misrepresentation Emphasis

The new guidance reinforces that omitting party membership on the DS-260 can lead to a finding of material misrepresentation under INA § 212(a)(6)(C). Officers are instructed to actively elicit undisclosed information during interviews.

7. Regional Coordination and Third-Country Clearances

When an applicant is interviewed outside their home country, consular posts must consult the home-country post and document clearances in case notes.

Practical Takeaways

• Employment risk greatly expanded: Working for a government entity, public institution, or state-affiliated NGO in a Communist or totalitarian country is now presumed to be “affiliation” with a Communist or totalitarian party, with no carve-out for “rank-and-file” roles.
  
  
• No more nonmeaningful membership defense: Even symbolic or passive membership may trigger ineligibility.
  
  
• Evidence burden increased: Strong documentation is required to prove involuntariness or qualify for exceptions.
  
  
• Disclosure is critical: DS-260 answers must be complete and accurate to avoid misrepresentation

Implications for Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Applications

As of the date of this post, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which processes adjustment of status applications for individuals applying for permanent resident status from inside the United States has not expanded the “affiliation” definition and continues to apply the “non-meaningful membership” exception. If an applicant has any potential employment or education history that may be considered as “affiliation” with a Communist or totalitarian party, then submitting Form I-485 application with the USCIS may be a better option.

I-601 Waiver Availability

Even if an applicant is found inadmissible under INA § 212(a)(3)(D)(iv), certain individuals may still seek relief through an I-601 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. The waiver is available in limited circumstances:

If you have any questions about this ground of inadmissiblity or are interested in applying for an  I-601 waiver, please contact our firm: evaluation@niwus.com.