US tightens visas for Myanmar, Laos

WASHINGTON: The United States said Tuesday it was tightening the distribution of visas to Myanmar and Laos after both countries refused to accept their citizens deported from the country.

Both Southeast Asian countries “have denied or unreasonably delayed accepting their nationals ordered removed from the United States,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.

Based on the DHS conclusion, the State Department has ordered consular officers in Myanmar and Laos to implement visa restrictions “on certain categories of visa applicants,” DHS said.

“Without an appropriate response from Burma and Laos, the scope of these sanctions may be expanded to a wider population,” DHS said.

US immigration officials were being forced to consider releasing ‘dangerous criminals’ into US society “when recalcitrant countries” like Myanmar and Laos refuse to accept them back, DHS added.

There were no further details, but the US decision comes as the administration of President Donald Trump clamps down on both legal and illegal immigration. — AFP