In brief
French MP Pouria Amirshahi of the Green Party has expressed frustration after being denied a visa to visit the United States, aiming to understand the political climate under President Trump by engaging with progressive figures.
On June 19, 2025, Pouria Amirshahi, a French MP representing the Green party, made headlines after announcing that U.S. authorities had denied him a visa request for a trip intended to discuss the political climate under President Trump. Amirshahi, who recently founded a group known as 'La Digue,' aimed for his visit to D.C., New York, and Boston to connect with progressive lawmakers and intellectuals to understand their perspectives on the evolving socio-political landscape in the United States.“In this time of rising neo-fascism in several democracies, it is crucial to witness and share experiences directly,” he stated in a press conference at the French National Assembly. His planned meetings included notable progressive figures, such as Senator Peter Welch from Vermont and Representative Maxine Dexter from Oregon. However, Amirshahi was informed on Tuesday that his visa application had been abruptly rejected, describing the U.S. authorities’ decision as "both hostile and unfriendly." Following the visa denial, a spokesperson from his team revealed that the U.S. embassy was reviewing the reasons behind this unexpected decision.Amirshahi’s initiative reflects a growing concern among European lawmakers regarding the influence of neo-fascism in liberal democracies, urging a deeper understanding of American societal dynamics.
