US Revokes Visas of Indians for Fentanyl Trade
Trump Administration steps up action against synthetic narcotics; families of violators also face restrictions
New Delhi: The United States Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday announced that it has “revoked and subsequently denied visas for certain business executives and corporate leaders based on their involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.” While declining to disclose names, the Embassy confirmed that the individuals concerned are Indian nationals.
The US Mission said the move was taken “in furtherance of the Trump Administration’s efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics,” adding: “Together, we will build a safer, healthier, stronger future for America and India.”
According to the Embassy, “These actions are taken pursuant to Section 221(i), Section 212(a)(2)(C), and Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. As a result of this decision, these individuals and their close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States. The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas.”
US Chargé d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews said: “The US Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States.”
The Embassy emphasised that stopping the flow of fentanyl and its precursors to the US is a top priority. “We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation in combating this shared challenge. Only by working together can our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs,” it said.
It further added that “the Trump Administration has already taken critical steps to confront this crisis through a series of Executive Orders to secure borders, combat drug trafficking organizations, and demand reform by source countries from which illicit drugs and precursor chemicals flow into the United States.”
