The new policy targets online fraudsters and blocks their immediate family members from entering the country
The United States announced a strict global visa ban on July 23, 2026. The new policy targets cybercriminals, romance scammers, and their immediate families. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the Trump administration will aggressively dismantle global fraud networks. These groups stole over $10 billion from victims last year.
On July 23, 2026, the US government launched a massive crackdown on online fraudsters. Officials confirmed a new global visa restriction policy targeting cybercriminals and extortionists.
The strict rules apply to romance scammers and notorious internet fraud rings. The ban also blocks their immediate family members from securing American visas. ValidUpdates understands this marks a major shift in border security.
Strict Visas For Scam Rings
Rubio revealed the strict rules during a public press briefing. He cited Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
”This policy targets individuals responsible for, or complicit in, cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime, such as those involved in cybersc+ms and s+xt@rtion,” Rubio declared.
The state department made it clear that relatives face harsh consequences. The strict ban extends to wives and children of alleged fraudsters. Authorities hope this bold step will deter youth from crime.
”Immediate family members of individuals engaged in such illicit activities may also be subjected to visa restrictions,” the official noted.
Sources confirm this global policy will take effect very soon. The US seeks to protect its citizens from massive financial ruin.
”By restricting visa issuance to those who are responsible for or complicit in these criminal enterprises, we are sending a clear message: The United States will go after those who prey on our citizens,” the Secretary added.
The Trump Administration Crackdown
The US government will not stop at just cancelling visas. The administration is using Executive Order 14390 to combat online fraud. This order targets investment scams and brutal extortion rings globally.
”The Trump Administration is deploying every tool at our disposal, sanctions, prosecutions, asset seizures, extradition requests, and international law enforcement cooperation, to dismantle criminal sc+m networks and impose costs on those who enable them,” Rubio stated.
Officials linked many of these plots to foreign crime groups. These networks stole a massive $10 billion from victims in 2024.
The massive plots are “often orchestrated by Chinese transnational criminal organisations,” Rubio revealed.
Romance scams have recently hit vulnerable groups across the nation. Young citizens face severe threats from foreign web operators. The government now sees this issue as a huge national crisis.
”American children have also been specifically targeted by offenders operating overseas for sextortion scams, devastating families and futures,” the leader concluded.
