The United States has introduced a new visa restriction towards transportation operators that facilitate irregular migration around the world and to the US.
The new visa restriction expands and replaces the Nicaragua 3C policy on charter flights, which was issued last November, VisaGuide.World reports.
More specifically, this new measure now targets owners, executives, and senior officials of charter flight, ground, and maritime transportation companies that offer transportation services primarily designated for individuals aiming to migrate irregularly to the US territory.
According to the US State Department, people who enter the country illegally often pay high fees, risking themselves and their families, only to be placed into removal proceedings pursuant to US immigration legislation.
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.
In addition to transportation operators, the US government has recently launched visa restrictions to other categories and countries.
Earlier this month, the US State Department announced a new visa policy targeting persons involved in the misuse of commercial spyware. Despite this restriction, the Biden administration has implemented several measures in an effort to deal with the misuse of commercial spyware.
The United States remains concerned with the growing misuse of commercial spyware around the world to facilitate repression, restrict the free flow of information, and enable human rights abuses. The misuse of commercial spyware threatens privacy and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Meanwhile, last December, the State Department announced its plans to impose restrictions on some Hondurans. Individuals who were visa-restricted imposed were accused of violence, intimidation, and inciting conflict in Honduras.
During that month also, the US authorities introduced visa restrictions on almost 300 Guatemalans, accusing them of undermining democracy and the rule of law. Of those, over 100 were members of the Guatemalan Congress.
Last December also, the US State Department also implemented a visa ban, targeting people allegedly involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank.
Despite several visa restrictions, US authorities issued a record number of visas last year. More specifically, 10.4 million visas were issued by 230 US Embassies and Consulates worldwide in 2023, marking the highest figure since 2015.
Furthermore, they aim to provide 90 percent of overseas posts with visitor visa interview wait times under 90 days this year.