To curtail irregular migration, the United States has expanded visa restrictions on transportation operators accused of facilitating illegal entry. The State Department announced the new visa restriction policy, targeting owners, executives, and senior officials of charter flight, ground, and maritime transportation companies providing services primarily for individuals intending to migrate irregularly to the United States. The Biden administration, grappling with a surge in illegal entries post-COVID-19, aims to address vulnerabilities in the immigration system.
The expanded policy, unveiled on Wednesday, builds upon measures implemented in November, initially focusing on operators of Nicaraguan charter flight companies. The State Department cites a concerning trend of companies offering flights at extortionate prices to facilitate migrant movement toward the U.S. southern border.
The policy aims to protect vulnerable migrants, with the State Department emphasizing the risks faced by those without legal status, who often pay exorbitant prices to reach the United States. Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the State Department, stated, “No one should profit from vulnerable migrants — not smugglers, private companies, public officials, or governments.”
This move underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing irregular migration and enhancing border control measures. The announcement comes in the wake of a substantial decrease in encounters at the Southwest land border, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to manage and regulate immigration influxes.
Source: MSN
