US imposes visa bans on Indian travel agents over illegal migration links

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on individuals linked to India-based travel agencies allegedly involved in facilitating illegal migration to the country, the State Department announced Monday.

In a statement, department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that owners, executives, and senior staff of certain travel agencies were targeted under provisions of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. The move, she said, is based on intelligence gathered by the US mission in India.

While the State Department did not disclose the number or names of those affected, it emphasized the decision is part of a broader strategy to dismantle networks aiding unauthorised migration. “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.

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of travel intermediaries allegedly exploiting loopholes to send migrants to the United States through deceptive means. Officials did not elaborate on specific actions taken by the agencies or the migration routes used.

The US embassy in New Delhi has issued repeated advisories to Indian nationals, warning them against overstaying their visas. In recent months, embassy social media platforms have reinforced that individuals who remain in the US beyond their authorized stay could face deportation and a permanent entry ban.

The visa sanctions mark another step in Washington’s ongoing efforts to counter unauthorized migration and hold accountable those profiting from unlawful border crossings. The crackdown also aligns with a wider policy focus on addressing human smuggling at its source.