The Trump Administration will not tolerate violations of U.S. national security or immigration laws and is determined to protect the integrity of U.S. borders, disrupt smuggling networks, and hold accountable those who seek to profit from illegal immigration. That’s why the State Department previously announced a policy restricting the issuance of visas to foreign government officials and others deemed to knowingly facilitate illegal immigration. The Department stands ready to use this policy to take action against individuals who knowingly organize, promote, support, or finance caravans of illegal immigrants to the United States. Any individual or any caravan participant applying for a U.S. visa or attempting to travel to our country will face additional scrutiny and the Department will take appropriate action, which may include denying or revoking their visa.
Investigations revealed that large groups of migrants were recruited, coordinated and directed through Central America and Mexico to the U.S. southern border. Over the past week, the department took steps to impose visa restrictions on more than 15 individuals involved in organizing, facilitating or promoting recent migrant caravans.
Unauthorized crossing of the U.S. southern border violates the law and may result in arrest, detention, deportation, and possible ban from entry into the United States. Those individuals involved in assisting or participating in such illegal activities will be considered for visa restrictions.