The agency, which oversees international media such as Voice of America, is examining visa renewals "case-by-case." Denial could mean expulsion from the U.S. and a return to hostile home countries.
Dozens of foreign nationals working in the U.S. for Voice of America may have to leave the country, putting some at risk of retribution from their nations' governments.
On Wednesday, President Trump's new appointee as CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media dismissed the directors of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and other government outlets.
Voice of America Director Amanda Bennett and her deputy are stepping down after Senate confirmation of conservative filmmaker Michael Pack to lead the international broadcaster's parent agency.
The Trump administration alleges the Voice of America is relaying Chinese propaganda. Founded at the dawn of World War Two, the government-funded news agency is independent by law.
The rule extends a 2017 law pertaining to outlets like Voice of America. That law was drafted after the Justice Department compelled Russia-backed RT America to register as a foreign agent in the U.S.
VOA covers the U.S., warts and all. But is that enough for the president? VOA's director tells NPR it's protected by law, and if it's told to change, she'll respond, "Thank you for your input."
Moscow has made it clear that the move comes in direct retaliation for the U.S. Justice Department's decision to require the Kremlin-funded RT America to register as a "foreign agent."
Leadership of the federal government's foreign news service is shifting from a bipartisan governing board to a CEO. Some worry that could leave the broadcaster subject to White House pressure.
