The United States has introduced a new global visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes, including online scams and sextortion, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14390 on Combatting Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens. He said the administration is taking steps to combat the growing threat of online investment scams targeting Americans.
President Trump has made clear that his administration will take action to counter cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes against Americans. Today I am announcing a new policy that will restrict visas to foreign nationals responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 23, 2026
According to the statement, scammers, many of whom are linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations, defrauded U.S. citizens of at least $10 billion in 2024 alone. These criminal activities have also fueled corruption, money laundering and human trafficking. The statement added that American children have been specifically targeted by criminals operating overseas through sextortion scams.
Rubio said the new policy was introduced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It applies to individuals responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes, including cyberscams and sextortion. Immediate family members of people engaged in such illegal activities may also be subject to visa restrictions.
The statement said the Trump administration will use sanctions, criminal prosecutions, asset seizures, extradition requests and international law enforcement cooperation to dismantle criminal scam networks and hold those who support them accountable.
Rubio said that by denying visas to individuals responsible for or complicit in these criminal enterprises, the United States is sending a clear message that it will continue to pursue those who target and exploit its citizens.
