Federal officials placed 1,300 employees at Voice of America on indefinite paid leave, while severing contracts with Radio Free Asia and other U.S.-funded networks.

In a late-night move to assert editorial control, the CEO of the U.S. international broadcasting agency rescinded a rule which established a "firewall" between the newsroom and political appointees.

The agency that 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.