One Strike, No Entry: U.S. Embassy Warns Visa Holders Against Breaking the Law

Image Source: The Times of India

The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a severe advisory notice that foreign nationals who engage in criminal activities like burglary, assault, or theft on American soil can have their visas revoked immediately and be barred from entering the country for extended periods of time. The notice comes after an Indian woman was reportedly seen shoplifting from a luxury outlet in Illinois in a viral video.

Main points of the embassy's press release

- The embassy made it clear that a visa of an American citizen is a privilege and not a right, and that violations of law can lead to cancellation even after it is issued
- Offences such as burglary, assault, and theft not only carry the risk of arrest but also render a person ineligible to obtain future U.S. visas
- The advisory was also posted on the embassy's official X account and reasserted America's commitment to law and order.

Context and implications

1. The warning comes after a viral video in which an Indian visitor was arrested for shoplifting $1,300 worth of items from a Target store
2. American authorities disclosed that visa holders are watched around the clock and deported for any legal infractions
3. The embassy also warned students on student visas to remain registered and be compliant with academic rules to avoid cancellation
4. F, M, and J visa applicants are now requested to open their social media pages to the public in order to be screened

Why it matters

With over 140,000 Indian students in the US and growing travel interest, the advisory is well-timed: one misstep and the entire visa process would be done.

Sources: The Hindu, CNBC TV18, Business Today, Indian Express, Skift, MSN