Did the US Just Take Action Against Illegal Immigration Facilitators?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The US has imposed visa restrictions on travel agencies facilitating illegal immigration.
- This move targets owners and senior officials of these agencies.
- It aims to dismantle alien smuggling networks.
- The restrictions apply globally, even to those eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
- Accountability for illegal immigration facilitators is a priority for US immigration policy.
Washington, May 19 (NationPress) The United States has taken a significant step by imposing visa restrictions on travel agencies, their owners, and senior officials who have knowingly aided in the illegal movement of migrants into the country.
This announcement was made by Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the US State Department. However, specific details regarding the identities of the individuals and organizations affected by these restrictions were not disclosed.
Bruce stated, "The Department of State is initiating visa restrictions on the owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies operating in India for their role in facilitating illegal immigration to the United States."
She emphasized, "The Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service at Mission India actively works every day from our Embassy and Consulates to identify and target those involved in illegal immigration and human trafficking. We will persist in our efforts to impose visa restrictions on these individuals to dismantle alien smuggling networks. Our immigration policy is designed not only to educate foreign nationals about the risks of illegal immigration but also to hold accountable those who break our laws, including illegal immigration facilitators."
The exact number of travel agencies that have been targeted for facilitating illegal immigration remains unclear.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reported that since President Donald Trump's administration began in January, the US has deported 682 Indians. This figure includes individuals who may have entered the US illegally or overstayed their visas.
Bruce further noted, "Upholding US immigration laws and policies is essential for maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding the American public." She added, "This visa restriction policy is comprehensive and extends to those who might otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. These actions comply with section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act."