The United States has rolled out a sweeping global visa restriction targeting individuals involved in cybercrime, with immediate family members of offenders also at risk of sanctions under the new policy.
Announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the measure is part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on cyberscams, sextortion, and transnational criminal networks preying on Americans. The policy applies to anyone found complicit in cyber-enabled crimes, regardless of nationality.
Rubio said the move aligns with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14390, aimed at tackling online fraud and predatory digital schemes. He revealed that cybercriminals defrauded U.S. citizens of at least $10 billion in 2024 alone, with many operations linked to organised international networks.
He also raised concern over the rising cases of online sextortion, particularly targeting minors, warning that such crimes are destroying lives and families.
Under the new directive, not only perpetrators but their immediate relatives could face visa denial, a move the U.S. says is designed to increase pressure on criminal networks.
“This sends a clear message the United States will go after those who prey on our citizens,” Rubio stated, adding that the government will deploy sanctions, prosecutions, asset seizures, and international cooperation to dismantle such operations.
The policy is backed by Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows visa restrictions on individuals whose entry could harm U.S. foreign policy interests.
Although no specific countries were named, the restrictions apply globally and are expected to impact individuals linked to cybercrime across multiple regions, including Nigeria.
The development comes amid a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policies. Earlier proposals by the administration also seek to limit international student visas to a four-year stay, potentially affecting about 1.5 million students.
Source: Vanguard News
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