Senator Raphael Warnock Cites USCIRF Call to Revoke RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Visa
WASHINGTON, DC — September 4, 2026
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) welcomes Senator Raphael Warnock’s response to constituents who raised concerns about the U.S. visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
In a letter to a Georgia constituent, Senator Warnock wrote that as a pastor, he believes “it is critical to safeguard religious freedom and protect members of religious communities from hate and violence.”
The Senator noted that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom “expressed serious concerns about Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the United States, stating that party members have perpetuated violent attacks and discrimination against religious minority communities. USCIRF urged the U.S. government to consider revoking his visa and make him ineligible for future entry.”
He added that he would keep these concerns in mind as he looks for opportunities to support international religious freedom, and that the United States must “stand against groups and regimes that target their own people.”
Senator Warnock’s response follows sustained opposition to Bhagwat’s tour from across the country. IAMC and more than 60 civil rights organizations, joined by New York City Council Members Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler and Julie Won and congressional nominee Brad Lander, called on Madison Square Garden to cancel the August 29 event honoring Bhagwat, which Mayor Zohran Mamdani also criticized. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the venue on the day of the event. In the days since, prominent New York faith leaders have said publicly that organizers deceived them into appearing at the gatherings without disclosing that they would honor Bhagwat and the RSS.
USCIRF has recommended targeted sanctions against the RSS for its “responsibility and tolerance of severe violations of religious freedom,” including asset freezes and restrictions on entry into the United States.
IAMC urges the State Department to act on USCIRF’s recommendation and bar Mohan Bhagwat from future entry into the United States.
