The Biden administration took action by imposing visa restrictions on Colombian transportation companies that have been accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants attempting to enter the United States.
According to the State Department, certain companies have been implicated in facilitating the illegal migration of individuals by sea. These companies were aware of the risks involved, which include exploitation and violence. However, the specific companies involved have not been publicly disclosed.
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The State Department emphasized that the implementation of U.S. visa restrictions serves as a means to hold accountable those individuals and entities who benefit from vulnerable migrants. This includes not only smugglers, but also private companies and public officials. Such restrictions aim to send a clear message that profiting from the plight of vulnerable migrants will not be tolerated.
The visa restrictions were announced in anticipation of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Guatemala. Blinken is leading a delegation for a ministerial meeting focused on migration.
According to the State Department, Blinken is set to attend the meeting in order to emphasize the Biden administration’s commitment to enhancing humane migration management, reinforcing law enforcement, establishing legal pathways, and improving the integration of refugees and migrants in the Americas.
The state Department announced new sanctions on Monday, exercising the powers granted in November to target operators of Nicaraguan chartered flight companies. These companies have been offering flights to migrants at exorbitant prices, with the intention of sending them towards the U.S. southern border.
In February, the power was expanded to target all transportation operators who have been credibly accused of providing services that specifically target migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally.
