US imposes visa curbs on Indian travel agency heads

The U.S. government has announced visa restrictions on owners and senior officials of certain Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration into the United States. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks.

According to a statement by U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the restrictions apply to individuals who knowingly aided unlawful entry into the U.S. The action, taken under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, targets executives and senior staff and will apply even to those otherwise eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

“Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service are actively identifying and pursuing those involved in enabling illegal immigration,” Bruce said. “We will continue to hold accountable individuals who violate U.S. laws, especially those profiting from smuggling operations.”

The move comes amid a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which has implemented tougher policies such as stricter H-1B visa regulations, expanded ICE raids, and proposals to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reported that 682 Indian nationals have been deported from the U.S. since January 2025, most of them for attempting to enter the country illegally. Meanwhile, the Pew Research Center estimates that around 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants were living in the U.S. as of 2024.

May 21, 2025 10:30 a.m. 474

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