The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign officials accused of deliberately obstructing efforts to resolve international parental child abduction cases.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures will apply to individuals responsible for, or complicit in, delaying the resolution of such cases, as well as their immediate family members.The policy covers foreign government officials, judges, judicial administrators and law enforcement officials, among others.Under the new policy, visa restrictions can be imposed on individuals who intentionally fail to implement or comply with laws, policies or court orders aimed at resolving abduction cases and returning children to their country of habitual residence.Rubio said the measure gives the US Department of State an additional tool to hold individuals accountable and press countries to meet their obligations.“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.The US administration said protecting American children taken across international borders and helping reunite them with their parents is a priority.Rubio said deliberate obstruction by foreign officials, judges, judicial administrators and law enforcement officials can prolong family separations and prevent children from being returned to the United States.The Department of State also works to prevent international parental child abductions and facilitate the safe and quick return of children to their country of habitual residence, according to the statement.The new policy, Rubio said, provides another mechanism 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,” he said.
