US announces new visa ban targeting cybercriminals and their immediate family members

The US has introduced a global visa restriction policy targeting cybercriminals, including sextortion offenders, with immediate family members also facing possible bans.

US Slaps Visa Ban on Cybercriminals, Their Families

Announced Thursday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the policy targets those responsible for cyberscams, online investment fraud, and sextortion, regardless of nationality, according to Vanguard. Rubio linked the move to President Trump’s Executive Order 14390, saying scammers, often tied to Chinese criminal networks, defrauded Americans of at least ₦10 billion… [Note: figure was ₦ conversion needed — original states $10 billion] defrauded Americans of at least $10 billion in 2024 alone.

The policy falls under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. No specific countries or individuals were named, but the restrictions apply globally to cyber-enabled offenders and their families.