The US Department of State Monday announced visa restrictions on owners and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. The move targets individuals involved in human smuggling and trafficking operations, as part of broader efforts to disrupt illicit migration networks.
Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, in a statement, said the restrictions apply to executives and senior staff who knowingly enabled unlawful entry into the US. The measures were implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and will also affect those who would typically qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme.
“Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service are actively identifying and targeting those engaged in illegal immigration facilitation,” Bruce said. “We will continue to hold accountable individuals who violate US laws, including those who profit from smuggling operations.”
According to the Pew Research Center, there were an estimated 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the US as of 2024. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, 682 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 2025, with the majority attempting to enter the country illegally.
US President Donald Trump, who is now in his second term, has implemented several strict immigration policies since taking office in January. In February, three US military aircraft deported hundreds of individuals — including Indian nationals — who had crossed the border illegally.
In addition to physical deportations, the Trump administration has also made sweeping changes to immigration rules. These include stricter H-1B visa norms, a rise in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, and the move to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
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