Summary
- The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of involvement in cybercrime, online fraud and other cyber-enabled criminal activities.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the policy was introduced as part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign against cybercrime and fraud targeting American citizens.
- Under the new policy, visa restrictions can be imposed on foreign nationals found responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled criminal activities.
The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of involvement in cybercrime, online fraud and other cyber-enabled criminal activities.
The new measures will apply to people who are directly involved in such crimes or who knowingly assist criminal networks. The policy specifically covers online scams, cyber fraud and sextortion.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the policy was introduced as part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign against cybercrime and fraud targeting American citizens.
The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at combating cybercrime, financial fraud and schemes that exploit US citizens.
According to the US State Department, online investment scams have become a major threat to Americans. The department said US citizens lost at least $10 billion to scams in 2024.
Officials also raised concerns about criminal organisations operating across borders. Some scam operations are allegedly linked to transnational criminal groups and are associated with money laundering, corruption and human trafficking.
The US government also highlighted the growing threat of sextortion. American children have reportedly been targeted by overseas criminals who use online platforms to manipulate and blackmail victims.
Under the new policy, visa restrictions can be imposed on foreign nationals found responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled criminal activities. In certain cases, immediate family members of individuals involved in such activities may also face visa restrictions.
The policy has been introduced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
The administration said visa restrictions would form part of a wider effort to disrupt international scam networks. Other measures could include sanctions, criminal prosecutions, asset seizures and extradition requests.
Washington also plans to strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating across borders.
Rubio said the United States would pursue individuals who target Americans through cybercrime and fraudulent schemes. The administration said the new restrictions were intended to increase the consequences for criminals and those who help them operate
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