The Department of State has launched an online tip portal for members of the public to help identify and stop suspected fraud and misuse of U.S. visas.
Many of the tens of thousands of visa fraudsters the Department has identified and held accountable during President Trump’s second term were discovered thanks to tips provided by upstanding and concerned members of the public.
This new online tool provides a convenient and reliable way for the public to submit crucial information for prompt review and action.
Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is conducting rigorous fraud detection and prevention activities to thwart attempts to travel to the United States through fraudulent means or for illegal purposes, said the US State Department press release.
Visa fraud can include the use of falsified documents or travel plans, brokers arranging sham marriages, shell companies, fabricated job offers, engaging in or facilitating birth tourism, and more.
These schemes do not just defraud the U.S. government – visa fraud hurts American communities, undermines the U.S. economy and American workers, and jeopardizes U.S. national security and public safety.
The Department of State is fully enforcing U.S. laws and will hold accountable all those who violate them, including by revoking visas and referring fraud for further law enforcement investigation.
We encourage those with information about suspected visa fraud and misuse to visit travel.state.gov/reportvisafraud, it said.
Birth Tourism
In another news, foreign commercial birth tourism networks have exploited the U.S. immigration system to sell U.S. citizenship for profit. These networks advertise and coach foreign nationals to lie on U.S. visa applications and collect tens of thousands of dollars to arrange births on American soil for the sole purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
“Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy targets individuals who knowingly engage in, have engaged in, or facilitate birth tourism to the United States, including owners, operators, and managers of commercial birth tourism facilitation networks, visa “fixers” who coach applicants to commit fraud, foreign medical providers who knowingly abet and facilitate such travel and the fraudulent use of our Medicaid system, and other individuals who support, abet, and enable commercial birth tourism,” Rubio added as stated in the US State Department press release.
The Trump Administration is using every tool at our disposal to defend the integrity of U.S. citizenship, protect American public benefits and U.S. taxpayers from exploitation, and safeguard our national security.
By restricting visa issuance of those who both engage in and profit from this fraud, we are sending a clear message: The United States will not allow foreigners to exploit our immigration system and violate the sanctity of U.S. citizenship.
This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Certain family members may also be covered by these restrictions, added the press release.
