The U.S. Department of State has announced the revocation and restriction of visas for certain individuals in Nicaragua who have been identified as facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. The targeted group includes owners, executives, and senior officials from transportation companies, travel agencies, and tour operators accused of providing services to those intending to immigrate illegally.
These measures are being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the government to deny entry to individuals whose presence or activities could negatively affect U.S. foreign policy.
According to investigations by U.S. authorities, these individuals allegedly enabled travel through Nicaragua by taking advantage of what they describe as permissive migration policies established by the Nicaraguan government. Officials claim that these policies contribute to regional instability and increase illegal immigration attempts toward the United States.
"The Department of State has taken steps to revoke visas and impose visa restrictions on individuals in Nicaragua identified as knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. This includes owners, executives, and senior officials of transportation companies, travel agencies, and tour operators who provide services to assist aliens intending to illegally immigrate to the United States. These actions are taken under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which bars entry to those whose entry or proposed activities have potentially serious adverse U.S. foreign policy consequences," said Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson.
"The Department is revoking currently valid visas and imposing other restrictions to ensure these individuals cannot enter the United States," he added.
Pigott further stated: "The United States will not tolerate actions that undermine its national security or immigration laws. The Department is resolute in promoting accountability for those who seek to profit from illegal immigration, disrupting smuggling networks, and protecting the integrity of U.S. borders."
The State Department says it will continue efforts aimed at holding accountable those involved in supporting unauthorized migration routes into the country.