The visa restrictions concern "high-ranking officials and executives of two companies from Uzbekistan that assisted in visa processing." According to the State Department, they "deliberately provided tourist services aimed at foreigners intending to illegally migrate to the U.S."
The names of the companies and specific individuals subject to the restrictions are not mentioned in the document.
The investigation revealed that the individuals involved were engaged in organizing trips, including the transportation of minors. The routes passed through various aviation and land hubs, heading to transit points in Central America, where many migrants were detained for attempting to breach the border.
American authorities emphasized that they are committed to a tough fight against networks that profit from illegal migration, viewing such actions as a threat to national security and a violation of immigration laws.
Additionally, the U.S. expressed gratitude to the government of Uzbekistan for its cooperation in combating criminal groups involved in human smuggling.
