The agency is expanding restrictions under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The Department of State expanded visa restrictions to include flight, ground, and maritime transportation companies that are primarily intended for use by migrants. The original restriction, made under the Immigration and Nationality Act, sought to stop charter flight companies that charged high prices to migrants seeking to enter the United States illegally. Now, other transportation companies, as well as their owners, executive officials, and senior officials, will also experience visa restrictions.
“Those who come to the United States without a legal basis often pay extortion-level prices and put themselves and accompanying family members at risk, only to be placed into removal proceedings pursuant to U.S. immigration laws,“ said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. “No one should profit from vulnerable migrants—not smugglers, private companies, public officials, or governments. We will continue engaging with governments and the private sector, both within and outside the region, to eliminate this exploitative practice.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For State Department officials as they review regulations and policies regarding immigration and visa approvals.
- For wisdom for Secretary Blinken as he heads U.S. diplomatic efforts around the world.
- For U.S. border agents as they encounter migrants who may be trafficked by cartels.
Sources: State Department
