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The Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday a new visa restriction policy aimed at officials of foreign governments and others involved in facilitating illegal migration to the United States.
This measure is being taken in an effort to protect the nation's borders and ensure national security, while also encouraging countries along migration routes to take responsibility for preventing the transit of illegal migrants, stated the Department of State in a statement.
Rubio emphasized that the new policy will apply to officials of foreign governments, including those in charge of immigration and customs, airport and port authorities, and other actors who deliberately facilitate illegal immigration by not enforcing laws or through policies and practices that allow the transit of undocumented migrants into the United States, particularly across the southern border.
"Protecting the borders of our nation is of vital importance for the United States to be a safer, stronger, and more prosperous country," the Cuban American stated.
"The countries along the migration routes must do their part to prevent and deter the transit of foreigners seeking to enter the United States illegally," he added.
This new measure will complement the "3C" policy, expanded in 2024, which is already applied to private sector actors who knowingly provide transportation and travel services primarily designed for illegal migrants.
The visa restrictions will remain in effect until foreign officials take measures to ensure that effective policies are in place and immigration laws are enforced to prevent the illegal transit of migrants, the note specifies.
"United States will not back down when it comes to defending our national security interests," emphasized Rubio.
The policy is implemented under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of State to declare inadmissible any foreign national whose entry into the United States "could have serious adverse consequences for the foreign policy of the United States."
Additionally, some relatives of the officials involved may also be subject to these restrictions.
The measure had already been implemented since January for charter flights, which resulted in the closure of more than 70 routes, including key connections such as the routes between Cuba and Nicaragua.
Frequently asked questions about the visa restriction policy announced by Marco Rubio
What does the new visa restriction policy announced by Marco Rubio entail?
The new visa restriction policy announced by Marco Rubio targets officials of foreign governments who facilitate illegal migration to the United States. This measure aims to hold countries along migration routes accountable for preventing the transit of illegal migrants.
What are the consequences for countries that do not cooperate with this policy?
Countries that do not cooperate with the visa restriction policy may face consequences such as the suspension of visas for their officials and their families. This measure aims to pressure governments to implement effective policies against illegal migration.
How does this policy affect Cuban officials?
The visa restrictions policy also affects Cuban officials involved in the island's labor export program. This measure is part of an expansion of sanctions against the Cuban regime, which includes visa restrictions for those responsible for coercive labor practices.
What is the relationship of this policy with previous U.S. measures on migration?
This policy complements previous measures such as the "3C" policy, which applies to private sector actors who facilitate illegal migration. The Trump administration has intensified sanctions against countries that do not cooperate with the migration policies of the United States, aiming to strengthen national security and control illegal migration.
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