U.S. Announces New Visa Restrictions Over Child Abduction Cases

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, DC — The Trump administration announced a new visa restriction policy Monday aimed at pressuring foreign officials to help resolve international parental child abduction cases involving children taken across international borders.

The policy targets foreign government officials, judges, judicial administrators, law enforcement officials and others who are determined to be responsible for, or complicit in, intentionally obstructing the prompt resolution of international parental child abduction cases.

Under the new policy, the United States may restrict visa issuance to individuals who intentionally fail to implement or comply with laws, policies or court orders intended to resolve such cases and facilitate the return of children to their country of habitual residence. The restrictions may also apply to the immediate family members of targeted individuals. The State Department said the policy provides the department with an additional accountability tool to encourage countries to meet their obligations and cooperate in resolving cases.

“The Department proactively works to prevent abductions and facilitate the quick and safe return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence,” the department said in its announcement.

The administration said the policy is intended to strengthen U.S. efforts to protect American children abducted across international borders and reunite them with their parents. The State Department also said the measures are intended to promote accountability when countries fail to meet their obligations under international law. The new visa restrictions are being implemented pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The department emphasized that the United States remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of American children involved in international parental child abduction cases.