U.S. announces visa restrictions on families, associates of sanctioned drug traffickers

Jun 28, 2025 News

U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Kaieteur News – In an effort to combat the fentanyl crisis, the United States recently announced new visa restrictions targeting family members and close associates of individuals sanctioned for their involvement in the global illicit drug trade.

The announcement was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the move as part of a broader strategy to curb the devastating impact of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, which remain the leading cause of death among Americans age 18 to 44.

“More than 40 per cent of Americans reportedly know someone who has died from an opioid overdose, and in 2024 the United States averaged over 220 overdose deaths daily. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that will apply to family members and close personal and business associates of individuals sanctioned under Executive Order 14059,” Rubio stated.

Executive Order 14059, issued in 2021, imposes sanctions on foreign persons involved in the global illicit drug trade. The new visa restrictions expand the reach of existing measures by holding not only traffickers but also their support networks accountable.

“Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close personal and business associates will not only prevent them from entering the United States, but will serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities,” Rubio added.

The department of state said it will use all available tools to dismantle transnational drug trafficking operations and prevent the flow of fentanyl and other deadly narcotics into the country.

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Drug traffickers, fentanyl crisis, Marco Rubio, Santioned Guyanese, United States, Visa restrictions

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