The U.S. Department of State announced on Monday that it is imposing visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies found to be knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States.
This move marks an escalation in Washington’s efforts to combat human smuggling and enforce immigration laws.
“Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work every day across our Embassy and Consulates to actively identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations,” said Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Bruce emphasized that the U.S. government “will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks.”
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The Department of State highlighted that this policy aims not only to educate foreign nationals about the perils of illegal immigration but also to hold accountable those who violate U.S. laws, including those who facilitate such activities.
“Enforcing U.S. immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans,” the statement read.
The new visa restriction policy is global in scope and applies even to individuals who might otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
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