US Moves To Curb Human Smuggling, Slaps Visa Bans On Indian Travel Agency Officials

In an attempt to discourage “illegal immigration,” the United States is imposing visa restrictions on Indian travel agencies’ owners, executives, and officials. The State Department said that the agencies knowingly facilitate “illegal immigration” and they are putting these measures in place to stop human smuggling and trafficking. 

‘Consulates to target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration‘

According to PTI, the State Department said in a statement, “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 US State Department said that it would continue to take such initiatives to cut off smuggling networks.

‘Those found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans’

On May 15, the U.S. Embassy India posted on X, “The U.S. government has launched a coordinated interagency effort to combat fraud and end illegal immigration. Those found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans from entering the United States. New visa restriction policies apply to individuals and foreign governments who facilitate illegal immigration.”

The U.S. government has launched a coordinated interagency effort to combat fraud and end illegal immigration.

Those found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans from entering the United States. New visa restriction policies apply to individuals and foreign governments… pic.twitter.com/bLwX2JStEg

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 15, 2025

“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,” it further stated in a tweet.

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. pic.twitter.com/VQSD8HmOEp

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 17, 2025