US targets cybercriminals with new visa restriction policy

The US has initiated a crackdown on those who are cybercriminals and responsible for enabling such crimes against Americans.

The announcement comes from the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday. Taking to X, he announced a “new visa restriction policy” for those complicit in such cyber-related nefarious activities.

Rubio said in a statement,“ President Trump has made clear that his administration will take action to counter cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes against Americans.”

“Today I am announcing a new policy that will restrict visas to foreign nationals responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes that have devastated American families and children.”

The new global visa restriction policy is enacted under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy intends to restrict visas for individuals responsible or involved in “cyber and cyber-enabled crime (such as cyberscams and sextortion).”

Under these new rules, immediate family members of those engaging in these illicit activities may also face visa restrictions.

According to the US State Department, the Trump administration is determined to root out such networks by deploying sanctions, asset confiscation, criminal prosecutions and international law enforcement cooperation.

The US government is signaling a zero-tolerance approach to dismantle criminal scam networks and penalize those who enable them.

As per estimation, in 2024 online investment scams defrauded Americans of at least $10 billion.