MEGOBARI Act

This legislation aims to push back on harmful foreign influence in the country of Georgia—especially from China, Iran, and Russia—and to support Georgia’s democracy and its path toward the European Union and NATO. It calls for continued U.S. support for free elections, independent media, and civil society, encourages reducing Georgia’s trade ties with Russia, and directs U.S. agencies to report on Russian and Chinese influence activities in Georgia.

The core action is sanctions. The President must block U.S. visas—and may freeze U.S. assets—of foreign people who undermine Georgia’s peace and stability or use corruption or violence to block Georgia’s path toward Europe and NATO. This includes certain Georgian officials and political party leaders, plus immediate family members who benefited from their conduct. There are limited waivers for national security. Humanitarian aid and United Nations obligations are protected, and the law does not restrict the import of goods into the United States. If Georgia shows clear, lasting democratic progress, the United States can expand people‑to‑people exchanges and defense cooperation. The law sets deadlines for action and ends five years after it takes effect.

• Who is affected

  • Foreign individuals involved in undermining Georgia’s security or in corruption/violence tied to blocking Georgia’s move toward the EU and NATO, including certain Georgian officials and party leaders since 2014, and immediate family who benefited.
  • These individuals can face visa bans and U.S. asset freezes.
  • Humanitarian groups and shipments of food and medicine are not targeted.

• What changes

  • Mandatory visa bans; possible property freezes; and required reports on foreign influence in Georgia.
  • Exceptions protect U.N. obligations and humanitarian aid, and the policy does not block imports into the U.S.
  • If Georgia improves its democracy, the U.S. can expand exchanges and defense cooperation.

• When

  • Within 90 days: identify covered officials and brief Congress.
  • Within 120 days: issue rules to carry out the law.
  • Within 180 days: report on corruption and activities undermining Georgia’s stability.
  • Ends 5 years after enactment.