The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the US, the State Department said on Monday (May 19).

The measures aim to disrupt networks involved in human smuggling and trafficking, with the US Embassy in India actively identifying those engaged in such activities. "Our consular and diplomatic security teams work tirelessly to target facilitators of illegal immigration," a State Department spokesperson stated, emphasizing a commitment to enforcing US immigration laws.

The policy, which applies globally, could affect individuals otherwise eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. The State Department highlighted that the restrictions are part of a broader effort to inform foreign nationals about the risks of illegal immigration and hold accountable those who violate US laws.

This move follows a warning from the US Embassy in New Delhi on 17 May, cautioning that overstaying visas could lead to deportation and permanent bans from entering the United States.

SMS/