Latest news with #VisaWaiverProgram
Miami Herald
14 hours ago
- Miami Herald
How an electronic visa waiver can help Miami travelers — but there's a warning
Traveling to Miami and across the United States with an electronic permit is a simple process for those eligible under the Visa Waiver Program. But the U.S. Customs and Border Protection warns of strict rules and 'limitations,' now under increased scrutiny due to new immigration and security policies by Trump administration. 'Foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S must use legal pathways,' said Carlos C. Martel, director of Customs and Border Patrol field operations in Miami and Tampa. Criteria to consider The Customs official reminded travelers that there are two primary legal avenues for tourists seeking to enter the United States: the B-1/B-2 visitor visa and the Visa Waiver Program. 'Each has strict eligibility criteria and limitations,' Martel warned. His post includes an announcement addressed to citizens of the 42 participating countries of the Visa Waiver Program. Both the B-1/B-2 visas and the Visa Waiver Program allow travelers to enter the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. In the case of the VWP, beneficiaries must apply online for what is known as the ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, before entering U.S. territory. Those who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, according to Customs and Border Patrol. Increased monitoring of travelers The Customs announcement follows strong statements from the Trump administration about tightening the monitoring of foreign travelers entering and staying in the U.S. In particular, the U.S. government announced measures against those who remain in U.S. territory after their visas expire, following the terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, for which Egyptian Mohamed Sabry Soliman was accused. This week, Customs also launched the new CBP Link mobile app, described as a 'user-friendly tool' aimed at reducing data requirements and streamlining the entry process. The app includes features for travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program to complete certain airport procedures. Meanwhile, Customs limited the use of its CBP Home platform, which allows migrants to initiate self-deportation.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Admin Reveals New App for Legal Border Crossers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration has announced it is creating a new app for those crossing the United States' borders legally. In launching CBP Link, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that its existing app, CBP Home, would be used solely by immigrants who intend to self-deport. Why It Matters President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have promoted CBP Home as a way for illegal immigrants to safely leave the U.S. without facing ICE custody, but the app also had features for those who need to cross the border legally and often, including to and from Mexico. What To Know In an announcement on Monday, CBP stated that it was splitting the two apps to create a "user-friendly mobile application designed to reduce data requirements." CBP Link will now allow users visiting the U.S. for leisure and work to access a single app that lets them apply for the Visa Waiver Program up to seven days in advance and pay for an I-94 form, which proves legal visitor status. Those entering with perishable cargo needing inspection will also use the app to notify border agents, as will bus operators who need to submit manifests of who and what is on board their vehicles crossing in and out of the country. CBP Link is also where border crossers will find crossing wait times, the agency said. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo displayed on an officer's shoulder at Los Angeles International Airport on May 19, 2025. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo displayed on an officer's shoulder at Los Angeles International Airport on May 19, 2025. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images This is the third change to CBP's app by the Trump administration. It was called CBP One when Trump returned to the White House. It launched under that name during his first term, with similar functions to CBP Link. Under former President Joe Biden, its functions were expanded so immigrants seeking asylum could book appointments with CBP agents, but Trump shut this down in January. In March, the app was repurposed into CBP Home, giving immigrants the option to log their intention to self-deport and then notify the government once they had returned to their home country. It was reported in recent days that around a million people had used the app to avoid being taken into ICE custody, with the Trump administration telling immigrants they may have the option to return to the U.S. via a legal route later. Hundreds of thousands have lost their legal status in recent months, making them deportable. What People Are Saying U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in its announcement Monday: "Those who use the CBP Home mobile app to self-deport receive cost-free travel, forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States, and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app. If they already submitted their intent to depart using previous versions of CBP Home, they will not need to resubmit." What Happens Next The agency said that the apps would be available for download and that the CBP Link app would update with existing users' information.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Announces Restrictions on Some India Travel Agencies
The United States has announced a ban on some travel agencies in India after also instituting a visa overstay crackdown. "The Department of State is taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States," the U.S. Department of State announced on May 19. The move comes shortly after the U.S. Embassy in India announced that people who overstay their visas in the U.S. could face a "permanent" ban on travel to the U.S. "Mission India's Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work every day across our Embassy and Consulates to actively identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations," the May 19 release says. "We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks. Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to hold accountable individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration," it adds. "Enforcing U.S. immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans. This visa restriction policy is global and even applies to individuals who otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. These actions are taken pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act," the statement reads. NPR reported that the desire to migrate to the U.S. is so strong among some Indians that they pray at "visa temples" for the chance to do so. According to Pew Research, "An estimated 5.2 million people in the United States identified as Indian in 2023." Related: U.S. Embassy Warns of 'Permanent Ban' on Travel
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US B1/B2 Visa wait times for Indians cross one year; Chennai has the longest wait time
The wait time for US B1/B2 Visa has crossed the mark of one year because of rising demand. Despite the complete resumption of U.S. visa services in India, demand for tourist and business visas (B1/B2) continues to increase but is facing a significant appointment backlogs. As per a recent report from Aviation News, Indian applicants face wait times ranging from 7.5 to 13.5 months across major consulates, including Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. City with longest wait time Chennai of all has reported the longest wait time at 13.5 months. It has caused travellers to miss important personal and professional events. The delays are negatively affecting individuals with urgent travel needs, such as weddings, family gatherings, and business meetings. In fact, securing a timely visa appointment is a challenge in case of emergencies as well. The report highlights the case of a homemaker planning to attend a wedding in New York, who found the next available appointment only in March 2026—well past the event date. Such incidents have been reported across other Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. Business travellers are particularly impacted by this as the unpredictability of the appointment system means applicants must check portals frequently in the hope of finding an available slot, making it nearly impossible to plan travel in advance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Trend Lets Indians Access Benefits Up to ₹2,00,00,000 India News Learn More Undo As of now, the emergency and student visa categories are given priority, business travellers often find themselves stuck in limbo due to the scarcity of general appointment availability. In a development, the U.S. has also announced new visa restrictions targeting Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration. According to the U.S. State Department, these restrictions apply to owners, executives, and senior officials of travel firms suspected of involvement in human smuggling and immigration fraud. The U.S. embassy emphasized that these actions aim to disrupt illegal immigration networks and hold facilitators accountable. The policy is part of a broader global initiative and applies even to individuals who might otherwise qualify under the Visa Waiver Program. Mission India's Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service are reportedly working daily to identify such individuals and take appropriate actions. However, when asked for specific names or agency details, a U.S. embassy official in New Delhi declined to comment. So for those seeking U.S. B1/B2 visas will now have to face unprecedented delays, with wait times stretching beyond a year in some cities. The situation is compounded by the limited availability of priority slots and the recent crackdown on fraudulent travel agencies, further complicating travel plans for both tourists and business travellers. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US Visa restrictions alert: Indian travel agencies under scanner; key details on the crackdown
In a significant move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on owners and senior officials of certain travel agencies based in India. These agencies are alleged to have facilitated the illegal entry of Indian nationals into the US, violating federal immigration laws. The restrictions, announced on May 19, 2025, come under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for the denial of visas to individuals considered detrimental to US interests. According to the US Department of State , this step is part of a broader effort to deter irregular migration and hold accountable those who exploit the immigration system. The sanctions target individuals connected with travel agencies that are believed to be involved in schemes encouraging or organising illegal entry into the US, including the use of forged documents and misrepresentation. While the US has not publicly named the agencies or the number of people affected, officials have clarified that the restrictions will apply globally, including to individuals who might otherwise qualify for visas under programs like the Visa Waiver Program . The US Embassy in New Delhi also issued a strong advisory, warning Indian citizens against using unauthorised or fraudulent means to enter the country. This action comes in response to mounting alarm over an increase in Indian citizens trying to enter the United States illegally through Latin American nations, frequently enduring perilous treks through border crossings and jungles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Trend Lets Indians Access Benefits Up to ₹2,00,00,000 India News Learn More Undo US border officials noted a marked increase in these cases in 2023 and 2024, with many of them allegedly organised by "consultants" and travel agents located in India. In response, Indian authorities have expressed a willingness to cooperate with the US to combat human smuggling networks. Earlier this year, India committed to repatriating over 18,000 of its citizens found to be staying illegally in the United States, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding legitimate immigration routes, such as the H-1B and student visa programs. While stressing that legal migration is still a top priority, the US administration issued a warning that systemic abuse will no longer be accepted. This firm move highlights is in line with the stringent regulation of immigration-related services as well as the increased emphasis on moral travel practices around the world. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
