Uzbekistan Alerts Citizens to Heightened US Immigration Raids

Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry has issued a warning to citizens regarding intensified enforcement raids targeting undocumented migrants in the United States.

In recent days, federal immigration authorities across the U.S. have stepped up raids. During these operations, officials check the authenticity of driver’s licenses, the validity and legality of documents, work authorization, immigration status, and drivers’ proficiency in English, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

“In connection with the U.S. government’s intensified fight against illegal migration, active raids are being conducted on federal highways with broad powers. Some individuals detained are suspected of holding multiple driver’s licenses or having links to terrorism,” the MFA spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov said in a statement.

The ministry urged Uzbek citizens driving in the U.S. to ensure their driver’s licenses are in order and to carry documents confirming their legal status in the country.

In case of suspicious or problematic situations, citizens are advised to contact Uzbek diplomatic and consular missions in the U.S. immediately.

In August, the U.S. authorities began tightening immigration policies, reducing the issuance of visas, and revoking some previously issued entry permits. The State Department announced a review of 55 million currently valid visas.

All visa holders, including tourists, will be “under constant scrutiny” for violations that could revoke their right to remain in the U.S.

Additionally, since 21 August, the US suspended the issuance of visas to foreign commercial drivers until stricter evaluation procedures are implemented. The Trump administration previously strengthened controls over foreign drivers’ English language proficiency.