The United States imposed new visa restrictions on Thursday for family members and close associates of individuals with proven drug trafficking histories, as part of a strategy to curb the entry of drugs such as the deadly fentanyl into the country.
This new measure falls under a section of US immigration law that addresses the inadmissibility of foreigners whose entry into the country may pose a risk to national interests.
According to the statement, the State Department “will use all necessary tools to deter and dismantle the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs entering the United States and harming American citizens.”
Since his return to the White House last January, President Donald Trump has used the situation caused by drug use in the country as one of his main arguments for taking certain measures regarding immigration and trade.
“The fentanyl crisis in the United States is unprecedented, and overdoses remain the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 44,” Rubio said. He added that in 2024, there were more than “220 overdose deaths per day.”
