US launches online portal to report visa fraud, misuse
The U.S. Department of State has launched an online portal allowing members of the public to report suspected visa fraud and misuse, a spokesperson for the U.S. Mission in Islamabad said.
The spokesperson said the new system would let individuals submit information about suspected fraudulent visa activity in an easy, reliable way so authorities could review complaints and take timely action.
According to the spokesperson, information provided by members of the public has helped authorities identify visa fraud cases and take enforcement action against tens of thousands of individuals during President Donald Trump’s second term.
The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is taking measures to detect and prevent visa fraud under the Trump administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the spokesperson said.
The measures aim to prevent individuals from travelling to the United States through fraudulent means or for illicit purposes.
According to the State Department, visa fraud can include the use of forged or altered documents, fabricated travel itineraries and sham marriages arranged through brokers.
It can also involve the use of fictitious or shell companies, fabricated employment or job offers, and attempts to travel to the United States — or facilitate such travel — specifically for “birth tourism.”
The State Department said visa fraud was not limited to deceiving the U.S. government and could also affect American communities, the economy and workers.
It said visa fraud could also threaten U.S. national security and public safety.
The department said it would fully enforce U.S. laws and take action against those found violating them.
Possible measures include revoking visas and referring suspected fraud cases to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
People with information about suspected U.S. visa fraud or visa misuse have been encouraged to submit it through the State Department’s online portal.
Reporter: Anwer Abbas