By Derick Peretengboro

The United States has rolled out a new global visa restriction policy aimed at foreign nationals involved in cyber-related crimes, with immediate family members of offenders also at risk of being denied entry into the country.

The measure was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to combat international cybercrime, online investment fraud and sextortion targeting American citizens.

According to Rubio, the policy applies to individuals found to have participated in or supported cyber-enabled criminal activities, regardless of their nationality. He explained that the restrictions are backed by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the government to deny visas when an applicant’s entry is considered contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.

The U.S. government said the new action is in line with President Donald Trump’s campaign against cyber fraud and other online criminal operations that have caused significant financial losses and emotional harm to victims.

Rubio noted that online investment scams have cost Americans billions of dollars, while online sextortion schemes have increasingly targeted young people and vulnerable internet users.

He stressed that the visa restrictions are intended to ensure that those involved in cybercrime do not enjoy unrestricted access to the United States. The policy also extends to close family members of individuals directly linked to such offences.

The State Department added that the visa sanctions form part of a wider strategy that includes criminal prosecutions, financial sanctions, asset seizures, extradition requests and stronger international law enforcement cooperation to dismantle global cybercrime networks.

Although U.S. authorities did not identify any countries or individuals affected by the policy, officials emphasized that the restrictions will apply worldwide to eligible foreign nationals involved in cyber-enabled criminal activities.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten immigration and security measures while expanding efforts to tackle transnational crime.