US cracks down on visa fraud and illegal immigration in new interagency drive

The US government has launched a coordinated interagency initiative aimed at cracking down on fraud and stopping illegal immigration, the US Embassy in India said in a post on X. In a warning to offenders, the embassy stated that “those found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans from entering the United States.” The new effort introduces visa restrictions not only for individuals, but also for foreign governments that are found to be facilitating illegal migration to the US.

The U.S. government has launched a coordinated interagency effort to combat fraud and end illegal immigration.

Those found guilty of visa fraud will face permanent bans from entering the United States. New visa restriction policies apply to individuals and foreign governments… pic.twitter.com/bLwX2JStEg

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 15, 2025

This development comes as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies efforts to secure the nation’s borders, with the White House declaring that the country is now experiencing “the most secure border in modern American history.” Citing dramatic drops in illegal border crossings, the administration has credited Trump’s policies for a 95% fall in encounters and a 99% drop in the number of so-called “gotaways,” or illegal entrants who evade capture.

'$1000 to self deport'

The Trump administration is advancing its mass deportation policy by offering financial incentives to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will provide $1,000 and cover travel costs for those who choose to return to their home countries. Migrants using the "CBP Home" app to indicate their intent to self-deport will be deprioritised for detention and removal.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that voluntary departure is the safest and most cost-effective option. The department has already funded flights for migrants, including one to Honduras from Chicago, and more are scheduled.

President Trump highlighted self-deportation as a way for migrants to preserve the possibility of legally returning in the future, though critics warn of legal risks. Immigration experts stress that leaving during removal proceedings can jeopardise asylum claims and complicate legal status.

The self-deportation programme builds on an app initially used to book entry appointments under President Biden. Now rebranded, it aims to streamline voluntary returns. While the strategy may reduce enforcement costs estimated at over $17,000 per deportation past international efforts have seen limited success in ensuring migrants remain in their countries of origin after return.