The Monday statement by department spokesperson Tammy Bruce did not mention any details on those hit by the visa restrictions, including their names or the names of the travel agencies they represent.

The statement also did not mention how “illegal immigration” to the US was being facilitated.

The State Department said its Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service mission in India has identified those “engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations.”

It vowed to continue Imposing visa restrictions on representatives of travel agencies in order to “cut off alien smuggling networks.”

The visa restriction would even apply to individuals who would otherwise qualify for a Visa Waiver Program, the State Department said, in reference to those exempt from needing a tourist visa to visit the US for up to 90 days.

“Enforcing US immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans,” Bruce said in the statement.

Since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House this year, his administration has significantly cracked down on migration, deporting thousands of migrants, including in certain cases that defied court rulings.

Social media outfits of US embassies worldwide have been warning US visa holders not to overstay the duration of their visas, and stressing that they would otherwise risk deportation and a permanent ban.

– DW