The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign officials believed to be facilitating illegal migration into the country. This policy will affect government officials, including those in immigration and customs, airport and port authorities, who are thought to knowingly enable illegal immigration to the U.S., particularly through failure to enforce immigration laws or by implementing policies that allow such transit.
The policy is designed to work alongside the existing 3C policy, which was expanded in 2024. The 3C policy addresses private sector actors providing transportation and travel services for illegal immigrants heading to the United States.
Officials responsible for ensuring enforcement of immigration laws must take action to prevent the transit of individuals seeking illegal entry into the U.S. "America will not back down when it comes to defending our national security interests," states the announcement.
This new visa restriction falls under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows the Secretary of State to deem any alien inadmissible if their entry could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Certain family members may also be affected by these restrictions.