Says will hold individuals accountable, including by revoking visas and referring fraud for further investigation
The State Department said earlier this month that under the Trump administration, it had revoked more than 175,000 visas of foreign nationals.. PHOTO: FILE
The US State Department launched an online portal for the public to report suspected visa fraud and misuse, saying it would help authorities identify and act on fraudulent visa applications and travel schemes, according to a statement issued by the US Department of State that emerged on Thursday.
The statement said that the new tool would provide a “convenient and reliable way” for people to submit information for prompt review and action.
“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,” the statement said.
Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs had been conducting “rigorous fraud detection and prevention activities” to prevent attempts to travel to the US through fraudulent means or for illegal purposes, the statement said.
Visa fraud could involve falsified documents or travel plans, brokers arranging sham marriages, shell companies and fabricated job offers. It could also include “engaging in or facilitating birth tourism”, the handout read.
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The statement said visa fraud schemes not only defrauded the US government but also “hurt American communities”, “undermine the US economy and American workers” and jeopardise national security and public safety.
“The Department of State is fully enforcing US laws and will hold accountable all those who violate them, including by revoking visas and referring fraud for further law enforcement investigation,” the statement said.
The department said the portal was intended to help the public provide information about suspected visa fraud and misuse, allowing reports to be submitted for review and possible action. People with information about suspected visa fraud or misuse were encouraged to use the new online portal, the statement concluded.
A day earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad and discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan-US relations, investment opportunities, regional security and efforts for peace and stability.
Pakistan and the US have ramped up efforts to contain visa fraud since the start of the year.
In January, Pakistan and the US mulled to launch joint operations under comprehensive SOPs against networks involved in fake and fraudulent visa activities. The decision was taken during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US ChargĂ© d’Affaires Natalie Baker. According to the interior ministry, the two officials held detailed talks on enhancing collaboration, particularly in curbing illegal immigration and improving the effectiveness of the pre-immigration clearance system. Both sides also agreed to increase cooperation at all levels in law-enforcement training, especially for the police.
Later, on March 3, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Islamabad arrested the main accused involved in a US visa fraud case. According to officials, a case was registered against Sheikh Syed Saifuddin Arefi following a tip-off from the US Embassy. Police investigation revealed that the accused tried to send several visa applicants to the US using fake documents. The accused and his accomplices provided fake invitations, fake letters from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other documents to the applicants on the pretext of attending the “Festival of Sufi Wisdom” alleged to be held in the US.
Read more: Naqvi, US Chargé d’Affaires discuss regional security
In May, the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi arrested two suspects for attempting to obtain US visas using forged medical documents. According to an FIA spokesperson, the arrests were made following a complaint from the US Consulate. The two suspects, identified as Muhammad Tauseef Khan and Imran Nazir Silhari, were taken into custody outside the consulate premises.
Then, in August, the US revoked more than 600 visas from foreign nationals as part of a major offensive against “birth tourism” rings, the State Department said.
“American citizenship is not for sale,” Secretary Marco Rubio wrote on the US social media company X.
