1 hour ago
The US will restrict visas for officials and relatives accused of blocking international child abduction cases. Washington says the policy is meant to pressure non-compliant countries and speed children's return.
Image used for representational purposes only
Washington,Sep 28, 2026 23:02 IST
The United States said on Monday that it will restrict visas for individuals and their immediate family members who obstruct the resolution of international parental child abduction cases. The move is aimed at people accused of delaying or blocking the return of children taken across borders.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the policy will apply to foreign government officials, judges, judicial administrators and law enforcement officials. He said the measure is meant to push countries that are not meeting their obligations in such cases.
"Today, I am announcing a new policy to restrict visa issuance to individuals responsible for, or complicit in, impeding the prompt resolution of international parental child abduction cases, as well as their immediate family members," Rubio said. He added that the policy gives the department "a new accountability tool to press non-compliant countries to meet their obligations".
Rubio said, "The policy includes individuals who intentionally fail to implement or comply with laws, policies, or court orders to resolve these cases and return children to their country of habitual residence." He also said protecting American children abducted across international borders and reuniting them with their parents is a top priority for the Trump Administration.
"When foreign government officials, judges, judicial administrators, law enforcement officials, and others intentionally obstruct the prompt resolution of these cases, they prolong family separations and block the return of children to the United States," Rubio said. He said the Department of State proactively works to prevent abductions and facilitate the quick and safe return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence.
Rubio said, "This policy will add another tool under US law to promote accountability when countries fail to meet their obligations under international law. We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all American children." In effect, the US says it will use visa restrictions against those it believes are obstructing efforts to resolve international parental child abduction cases and return children.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
