The United States has announced new visa restrictions on foreign government officials and others accused of facilitating illegal immigration into the country.
In a statement shared on June 17 by the US Embassy in India via its official X account, the embassy said, “We will not tolerate those who facilitate illegal and mass immigration to the United States.”
The new policy targets individuals allegedly helping people enter the US illegally, particularly through its southwest border. This includes immigration and customs officials, airport and port personnel, and other foreign government staff.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier outlined the plan, saying,
“The United States has established new visa restrictions targeting foreign government officials and others who do so.”
The Trump administration had already designated criminal cartels involved in people smuggling as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The embassy’s statement added that governments which fail to repatriate their nationals could face broader consequences, including wide-ranging entry restrictions for their citizens.
The visa bans follow a recent federal crackdown in Los Angeles on smuggling networks and echo similar restrictions introduced last month on Indian travel agency owners and executives. These individuals are accused of knowingly helping people migrate illegally by offering fake documents and coordinating unlawful travel plans.
A separate statement from the US State Department said,
“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.”
The new visa restrictions are part of a global US immigration policy shift that applies even to individuals eligible under the Visa Waiver Programme. The State Department emphasised that anyone found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans from entering the country.
Earlier, screenshots of deportation messages have been circulating online, including a translated note from a young Punjabi man removed from the US. In the post, the man admits he falsely claimed links to Khalistan to seek asylum and was allegedly advised by his lawyer to support his case with a letter allegedly obtained from an Indian politician’s office. The court found the claim fraudulent, and deportation was ordered.
The embassy concluded its message by reaffirming that while the United States welcomes genuine visitors, it “cannot and will not tolerate illegal entry and abuse of visas or violation of US law.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
