Latest news with #VisaWaiverProgram
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Announces Restrictions on Some India Travel Agencies
The United States has announced a ban on some travel agencies in India after also instituting a visa overstay crackdown. "The Department of State is taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States," the U.S. Department of State announced on May 19. The move comes shortly after the U.S. Embassy in India announced that people who overstay their visas in the U.S. could face a "permanent" ban on travel to the U.S. "Mission India's Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work every day across our Embassy and Consulates to actively identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations," the May 19 release says. "We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks. Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to hold accountable individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration," it adds. "Enforcing U.S. immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans. This visa restriction policy is global and even applies to individuals who otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. These actions are taken pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act," the statement reads. NPR reported that the desire to migrate to the U.S. is so strong among some Indians that they pray at "visa temples" for the chance to do so. According to Pew Research, "An estimated 5.2 million people in the United States identified as Indian in 2023." Related: U.S. Embassy Warns of 'Permanent Ban' on Travel
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US B1/B2 Visa wait times for Indians cross one year; Chennai has the longest wait time
The wait time for US B1/B2 Visa has crossed the mark of one year because of rising demand. Despite the complete resumption of U.S. visa services in India, demand for tourist and business visas (B1/B2) continues to increase but is facing a significant appointment backlogs. As per a recent report from Aviation News, Indian applicants face wait times ranging from 7.5 to 13.5 months across major consulates, including Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. City with longest wait time Chennai of all has reported the longest wait time at 13.5 months. It has caused travellers to miss important personal and professional events. The delays are negatively affecting individuals with urgent travel needs, such as weddings, family gatherings, and business meetings. In fact, securing a timely visa appointment is a challenge in case of emergencies as well. The report highlights the case of a homemaker planning to attend a wedding in New York, who found the next available appointment only in March 2026—well past the event date. Such incidents have been reported across other Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. Business travellers are particularly impacted by this as the unpredictability of the appointment system means applicants must check portals frequently in the hope of finding an available slot, making it nearly impossible to plan travel in advance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Trend Lets Indians Access Benefits Up to ₹2,00,00,000 India News Learn More Undo As of now, the emergency and student visa categories are given priority, business travellers often find themselves stuck in limbo due to the scarcity of general appointment availability. In a development, the U.S. has also announced new visa restrictions targeting Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration. According to the U.S. State Department, these restrictions apply to owners, executives, and senior officials of travel firms suspected of involvement in human smuggling and immigration fraud. The U.S. embassy emphasized that these actions aim to disrupt illegal immigration networks and hold facilitators accountable. The policy is part of a broader global initiative and applies even to individuals who might otherwise qualify under the Visa Waiver Program. Mission India's Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service are reportedly working daily to identify such individuals and take appropriate actions. However, when asked for specific names or agency details, a U.S. embassy official in New Delhi declined to comment. So for those seeking U.S. B1/B2 visas will now have to face unprecedented delays, with wait times stretching beyond a year in some cities. The situation is compounded by the limited availability of priority slots and the recent crackdown on fraudulent travel agencies, further complicating travel plans for both tourists and business travellers. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US Visa restrictions alert: Indian travel agencies under scanner; key details on the crackdown
In a significant move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on owners and senior officials of certain travel agencies based in India. These agencies are alleged to have facilitated the illegal entry of Indian nationals into the US, violating federal immigration laws. The restrictions, announced on May 19, 2025, come under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for the denial of visas to individuals considered detrimental to US interests. According to the US Department of State , this step is part of a broader effort to deter irregular migration and hold accountable those who exploit the immigration system. The sanctions target individuals connected with travel agencies that are believed to be involved in schemes encouraging or organising illegal entry into the US, including the use of forged documents and misrepresentation. While the US has not publicly named the agencies or the number of people affected, officials have clarified that the restrictions will apply globally, including to individuals who might otherwise qualify for visas under programs like the Visa Waiver Program . The US Embassy in New Delhi also issued a strong advisory, warning Indian citizens against using unauthorised or fraudulent means to enter the country. This action comes in response to mounting alarm over an increase in Indian citizens trying to enter the United States illegally through Latin American nations, frequently enduring perilous treks through border crossings and jungles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Trend Lets Indians Access Benefits Up to ₹2,00,00,000 India News Learn More Undo US border officials noted a marked increase in these cases in 2023 and 2024, with many of them allegedly organised by "consultants" and travel agents located in India. In response, Indian authorities have expressed a willingness to cooperate with the US to combat human smuggling networks. Earlier this year, India committed to repatriating over 18,000 of its citizens found to be staying illegally in the United States, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding legitimate immigration routes, such as the H-1B and student visa programs. While stressing that legal migration is still a top priority, the US administration issued a warning that systemic abuse will no longer be accepted. This firm move highlights is in line with the stringent regulation of immigration-related services as well as the increased emphasis on moral travel practices around the world. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Visa ban alert! US cracks down on Indian agents fuelling illegal entry
In yet another move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the United States on Monday imposed visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of several Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating unauthorized entry into the country. The announcement, made by the US Department of State, sends a strong signal to those exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of travel and migration assistance. This action, part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on illegal migration networks, specifically targets individuals believed to have enabled Indian nationals to travel to the U.S. through deceptive or unlawful means. Here is the statement by the US Department of State issued on 19 May 2025: "The Department of State is taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. Mission India's Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work every day across our Embassy and Consulates to actively identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations. We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks. Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to hold accountable individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration. Enforcing U.S. immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans. This visa restriction policy is global and even applies to individuals who otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. These actions are taken pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act." Why this matters? The visa curbs come amid a sharp surge in Indians attempting to reach the U.S. through illegal land routes. In the last fiscal year alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained over 96,000 Indian nationals at the Mexico border—a steep rise compared to previous years. Nearly half of these arrests- - 43,764- - occurred at the US-Canada border, as per data from CBP. Many of these individuals were found to be victims of misleading promises made by unauthorized travel agents operating across Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, and parts of South India. As per a Reuters investigation, some Indian migrants are paying up to Rs 80 lakh for new illegal routes to the U.S., involving charter flights and overland transfers through Central America. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued advisories warning citizens against falling prey to fraudulent visa agents and illegal immigration schemes. What does the US move signal? The move signals a tightening of Trump-era enforcement, which the new Republican administration has re-activated in 2025, focusing on deterring illegal immigration by penalizing not only migrants but also the facilitators behind global smuggling networks. How these agents operate: Several unscrupulous agencies market themselves as visa consultants or travel planners but offer "package routes" into the U.S. that involve: Travel to Latin American countries like Ecuador, Nicaragua, or Panama (which offer easy visas), Overland journeys through dangerous terrain, involving smuggling rings, False documentation or asylum claims upon reaching the U.S. border. For Indian families spending lakhs of rupees in hopes of a better future abroad, these routes are presented as "shortcuts"—but often end in detention, deportation, or worse. Who is affected? The U.S. Department of State said that these restrictions apply to: Owners and senior staff of travel agencies in India, Who are knowingly facilitating irregular migration, Especially through dangerous routes in Central America to the U.S. border. Although the U.S. has not named specific agencies yet, it said that more designations will follow as investigations deepen. What's the route that smugglers take? t's known as the "Donkey Route", and it's been around for decades. People are flown to countries in South or Central America (like Ecuador or Nicaragua) and then travel overland through jungles, rivers, and borders — eventually trying to cross into the U.S. via Mexico. It's extremely risky — with many facing robbery, assault, or even death on the way. If you're using a legitimate travel agency and applying through proper channels, you're not impacted. But if you're working with an agency offering "shortcuts," you could be at risk. What are the risks if you use these agents? Immediate Deportation from the U.S. Permanent Ban from entering the U.S. Loss of money (often lakhs of rupees) Detention or arrest in foreign countries Risk of being stranded or harmed along the route How to protect yourself Do not fall for agents promising fast-track visas or 'guaranteed' entry. Always apply through official U.S. embassy websites or authorized visa centers. Check credentials of travel agents. Visit for authentic information.
Scroll.in
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
US imposes visa restrictions on Indian agents accused of ‘facilitating illegal immigration'
The United States Department of State on Monday announced visa restrictions on people working with Indian travel agencies found to have been 'knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States'. The state department said its Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service mission in India had identified those 'engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations'. 'We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks,' the department said in its statement. The department added that its aim was not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the US but also to hold those who violate US laws accountable for their actions. The department noted that the visa restriction policy is a global one, and that it also applies to individuals who otherwise qualify for the country's Visa Waiver Program. However, the statement did not name the people or agencies who will face action under this new move. The move comes amid a wider crackdown by US President Donald Trump's administration, which has used military aircraft to repatriate undocumented migrants. Six hundred and thirty-six Indians have been deported from the United States since January, when Donald Trump assumed office, the Union government told Parliament in March. Besides another 295 Indians were awaiting final deportation orders. A 2022 US Department of Homeland Security report estimated that 2,20,000 undocumented Indian migrants were living in the country.
