The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced restrictions on around twenty-six individuals. The DOS explained said individuals supported adversaries of the U.S. Such a decision follows the greater trend of the U.S. exerting its’ influence throughout the western hemisphere.
Over the past year, the DOS expanded visa restrictions to individuals who direct or support U.S. adversaries in the western hemisphere. According to Al Jazeera, he following actions count as directing or supporting U.S. adversaries:
- Enabling adversarial powers control over key assets and strategic resources in the western hemisphere.
- Destabilizing regional security efforts.
- Undermining American economic interests.
- Conducting influence operations undermining the sovereignty and stability of nations in the region.
The move aligns with the government’s harsher stance against organized crime in the western hemisphere. This includes designating certain organized crime groups as foreign terrorist organizations by the DOS. The department explained such a designation disqualifies any members or associates from a visa, making legal entry into the U.S. more difficult.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.