The U.S. State Department on Monday announced visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of India-based travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle what officials describe as "alien smuggling networks."
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the measures are based on findings from the U.S. mission in India and are being implemented under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. That provision allows denial of admission to foreign nationals if their presence is believed to have serious adverse foreign policy consequences.
"We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks," Bruce said in a statement. She added that the U.S. is committed to holding accountable "individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration."
The department has not disclosed the number of individuals affected or their identities, a common practice in the application of visa bans. The action includes individuals who may otherwise qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
U.S. Embassy officials in New Delhi have stepped up warnings in recent weeks, urging Indian nationals not to overstay their visas and cautioning that those who do could face deportation and permanent bans from reentering the country. "If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future," the embassy said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
On Wednesday, the embassy also announced a new interagency initiative to combat immigration fraud and human trafficking. The Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service at Mission India is reportedly working to identify individuals engaged in illegal activity tied to migration.
The visa restrictions follow high-level discussions between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two met on January 21 to address migration challenges, bilateral relations, and other foreign policy concerns at the outset of Trump's second term.
"Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to uphold the rule of law and protect Americans," Bruce stated. "Those found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans from entering the United States."
