US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Indian Travel Agencies for Illegal Immigration Facilitation

New Visa Restrictions Announced

Washington: On Monday, the United States government announced new visa restrictions targeting travel agencies, their owners, and senior officials who have been complicit in the illegal transportation of migrants into the country.

This announcement was made by Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US State Department, who did not disclose the specific identities of those affected by these restrictions.

Bruce stated, "The Department of State is implementing visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based in India that have knowingly facilitated illegal immigration to the United States."

She emphasized that the Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service at Mission India is actively working to identify and target individuals involved in illegal immigration and human trafficking operations. Bruce reiterated the commitment to impose visa restrictions on those facilitating alien smuggling networks, aiming to inform foreign nationals about the risks of illegal immigration while holding violators accountable.

The exact number of travel agencies impacted by these measures remains unclear.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), since the beginning of President Donald Trump's administration in January, the US has deported 682 Indians, which may include individuals who entered illegally or overstayed their visas.

Bruce further remarked, "Enforcing US immigration laws is essential for maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding Americans." She noted that this visa restriction policy is applicable globally, even affecting individuals eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, as per section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.