Matthew Miller, United States Department of State Spokesperson, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Washington D.C., yesterday, Tuesday, September 24.
He however did not name the individuals involved and countries of origin.
“The United States is imposing visa restrictions today on multiple executives of travel agencies in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. These companies prey on vulnerable people by operating services designed primarily to facilitate irregular migration to the United States through countries in Europe and the Western Hemisphere,” Miller said.
Miller also said the United States will continue to engage with partner governments and the private sectors to end the exploitative practice, which puts vulnerable people in harm’s way.
“Our visa restriction policy is part of our comprehensive approach to reduce irregular migration and targets owners, executives, and senior officials of companies providing travel services and transportation by land, sea, or charter air designed to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. These are restrictions pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,” Miller also said.
