An official in the Haitian Government is facing visa restrictions from the United States following allegations of involvement in supporting criminal gangs in the French-speaking CARICOM nation.
In a press statement issued Monday, the US Department of State announced that it is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on the official for aiding gangs and other criminal organizations, and for obstructing Haiti’s efforts to combat terrorist groups designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
The Department of State said the action is being taken under INA 212(a)(3)(C), which bars entry to individuals whose activities may have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Any currently valid visas held by the official will be revoked.
The policy, first announced in October 2022, targets individuals and their family members who provide financial or material support to gangs and criminal organizations operating in Haiti.
The US reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haiti’s stability and emphasized the need for measurable progress toward free and fair elections. “The Haitian people have had enough of gang violence, destruction, and political infighting,” the statement noted, adding that the Trump Administration will continue to promote accountability for those who destabilize Haiti and the wider region.