What does US visa restrictions on Indian travel agencies mean? Owners, executives, senior officials to face action

Amid the major crackdown on immigrants, the Donald Trump administration Monday targeted travel agents in India who are known for facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. The State Department said the owners, executives and the senior officials of such travel agencies based and operating in India will face visa restrictions so that the smuggling networks can be completely cut off.

"Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to hold accountable individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration," the statement said.

The statement said that this visa restriction policy is global and will be applicable to even those who qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

Nationals of come countries do not need a visa to visit the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less. India is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program . Indian citizens must apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa through the standard visa application process at a US embassy or consulate.

What is US's Visa Restriction Policy?

Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act grants the US government authority to declare an individual inadmissible if their entry or activities in the US could have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the United States. It is often invoked for reasons related to national security, diplomatic relations, or other strategic interests.

This is not meant for India only but any individual from any country can be deemed ineligible to enter the US if the administration thinks so. The new statement of the State Department denotes that now travel agents, officials, staff working at travel agencies with alleged links to illegal immigration will come on the radar.

US Embassy in India recently issued a warning saying that overstaying in the United States could bring a permanent ban on traveling to the US in future. "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.