The United States has rolled out a sweeping new visa restriction policy aimed at cracking down on foreign nationals involved in cybercrimes that target Americans, including large-scale online scams and s^xtortion schemes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measure on Thursday, describing cyber-enabled crimes as an “unprecedented threat” to U.S. citizens and their families.
The policy, implemented under the Immigration and Nationality Act, targets individuals responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and related offenses such as investment frauds and s^xtortion.
Rubio highlighted the massive financial toll of these operations, noting that transnational criminal networks particularly those linked to Southeast Asia defrauded Americans of over $10 billion in 2024 alone through sophisticated online scams.
The policy also addresses the devastating impact of s*xtortion, where perpetrators blackmail victims, often minors, causing profound emotional and psychological harm.
Under the new rules, not only the primary offenders but also their immediate family members may face visa denials, effectively barring them from entering the United States.
The Trump administration plans to complement the visa bans with broader tools including economic sanctions, criminal prosecutions, asset seizures, and international cooperation to dismantle these networks.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to combat scam centers operating overseas.
Recent cases involving Nigerian suspects extradited to the U.S. for s^xtortion-related charges underscore the global reach of these crimes.
Rubio emphasized a clear message: “The United States will go after those who prey on our citizens.” Officials say the policy sends a strong deterrent signal while strengthening protections for American families against evolving digital threats.
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