Washington D.C., May 19, 2025 — The United States announced on May 19 that visa restrictions have been placed on owners, executives and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of aiding illegal immigration to the U.S. This step forms part of an initiative by President Trump’s administration to dismantle human smuggling networks and enforce immigration laws. The Times of India +14 @EconomicTimes +14 Reuters +2 News Arena India = This story can also be found here U.S. Department of State officials stated that these measures target individuals who “knowingly facilitate illegal immigration to the United States.” These restrictions are being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows visa denials on grounds of public safety or national security. Facebook +13, News Arena India +13, National Herald +13 and Reuters +2 all provide examples. Reuters AILA plus Wikipedia also list instances. As yet, specific names and numbers of those affected have not been disclosed, however the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi stressed that its consular affairs and diplomatic security services are actively targeting individuals and agencies involved in illegal immigration or human trafficking operations. NAMPA +6 and the Times of India both report these efforts as being underway. This move follows a string of deportations of Indian nationals from the U.S. In February 2025, U.S. military aircraft deported more than 100 Indian immigrants who had illegally entered into America; part of an ongoing crackdown against illegal immigration under current administration of President Donald Trump (Wikipedia +2, The Indian Express +2, Geo News). Indian authorities have acknowledged illegal immigration as an issue and expressed willingness to collaborate with the U.S. in dealing with it. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that India will repatriate any citizens living illegally in America without proper documentation. Hindustan Times Visa restrictions are part of a global policy and apply even to individuals who would normally qualify for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The United States government has stated its intent to enforce immigration laws and hold those who violate them accountable, including facilitators of illegal immigration. Hindustan Times News Arena India and Wikipedia have provided further details. +5 This development underlines the United States government’s focus on countering illegal immigration and its facilitators, while at the same time underscoring the necessity of international cooperation to address human smuggling and migration challenges.
