This paper argues that in recent years the number of aliens being denied nonimmigrant visas to the United States because of their liberal political views has increased. The roles of each of the branches of government in the procedure of denying visas are reviewed. The number of visa denials in the lower courts has risen dramatically since 1980, suggesting an escalation of political control of information (i.e. speakers from abroad) since President Reagan's election. The denials are based on the authority of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA), but many instances are marked by judicial reliance on procedural issues rather than the constitutional rights involved. When Belgian journalist E. Mandel was denied entry to the United States in 1969 on the grounds of previous visa violations, the Supreme Court paid little attention to the public's constitutional right to hear him speak. Since then, others have been denied entry on the grounds that they are affiliated with anti-nuclear organizations, communist organizations, or women's rights groups. The judicial branch of the government is reluctant to make judgments in matters that overlap with the executive branch's powers. The U.S. government should conform to the levels of tolerance it demands of its citizens, in light of the First Amendment, and allow its citizens free and open discourse with aliens expressing dissenting beliefs. (JC)