The United States has unveiled a new global visa restriction policy targeting cybercriminals and their immediate family members, escalating its crackdown on transnational online fraud after Americans lost at least $10 billion to investment scams in 2024 alone.
Announcing the policy on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move forms part of President Donald Trump's broader campaign to combat cybercrime, online fraud and sextortion targeting American citizens.
The restrictions, introduced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, will allow the U.S. government to deny visas to foreign nationals found to be responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled criminal activities. Immediate family members of those involved may also be barred from entering the United States.
The announcement follows President Trump's Executive Order 14390 on Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens, which directed federal agencies to intensify efforts against global scam networks.
Trump administration broadens crackdown
