Washington, May 23 -- The United States on Monday announced visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies allegedly involved in facilitating illegal immigration into the country. The move is part of Washington's effort to crack down on human smuggling and trafficking networks originating from South Asia.

"The Department of State is taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States," the State Department said in a statement.

Officials from Mission India, including the Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service, are actively working ac...