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The United States has introduced a new visa restriction policy aimed at curbing the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this, highlighting the country’s severe fentanyl crisis, where overdoses are the top cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 44.
Marco said that the policy targets family members and close associates of individuals sanctioned under Executive Order 14059 with visa restrictions, utilising existing sanctions tools to deter and disrupt the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl into the US, ultimately protecting American citizens.
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The policy, Secretary Marco went on, builds upon existing sanctions and visa ineligibilities for controlled substance traffickers, adding that, the opioid crisis in the US is severe, with over 40 per cent of Americans knowing someone who has died from an overdose, and the country averaging more than 220 overdose deaths per day in 2024.
He also related that the new policy aims to hold accountable those involved in the global illicit drug trade, including individuals and entities that facilitate the flow of fentanyl into the US.
The US government aims to bar these individuals from entering the country and discourage others from similar illicit activities by imposing visa restrictions, according to Marco.
The White House said Wednesday President Donald Trump would not allow “mob rule” after protests against his immigration policies spread across the United States despite a military-backed crackdown in Los Angeles.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also attacked the Democratic governor of California and mayor of Los Angeles, claiming they had “fanned the flames” of the clashes.
“President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America,” Leavitt told a briefing at the White House, backed by television screens showing images of burning vehicles and masked rioters.
“The most basic duty of government is to preserve law and order, and this administration embraces that sacred responsibility.”
