Illegal actions may result in visa cancellation, US embassy issues warning
In a recent development, the United States Embassy in India has issued a new advisory for Indian nationals traveling to the United States, emphasizing the importance of complete compliance with American laws. The advisory comes in the wake of a viral video showing an Indian woman being arrested for shoplifting in the US.
The video, shared widely on social media, captures the conversation between the woman, identified as Avlani, and law enforcement officers during the arrest. In the video, Avlani is heard asking officers, "Why can't I just pay for it?", to which an officer responds, "We're way past that. You committed a felony."
The incident serves as a reminder for all foreign visitors to the US to respect and abide by the country's laws to avoid legal and visa-related issues. The advisory underscores that breaking US laws can have severe consequences, including immediate visa revocation and extended travel bans.
According to the advisory, if an Indian visa holder commits a crime in the United States, their visa can be revoked immediately. Crimes such as theft, assault, or burglary fall under this category. In addition, individuals may also be permanently barred from entering the United States in the future. This means that even first-time offenders are not exempt from these long-term consequences.
Moreover, visa holders who break US laws or immigration regulations risk deportation. The US Embassy emphasizes that visa screening continues even after the visa is issued, and non-compliance with any laws can lead to deportation. The advisory also highlights that one bad decision can lead to permanent consequences for future travel opportunities to the United States.
The advisory reflects the US government's emphasis on law and order, expecting all foreign nationals to adhere to American laws. It reiterates that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked if laws are violated.
This is not the first time a viral video has led to a US visa-related warning or consequence for an international visitor. The current US administration's immigration policy includes a broader enforcement direction, which aligns with the embassy's warning. Enforcement actions have generally increased across various visa categories, with the administration intensifying background checks and social media screening for visa applicants.
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the legal proceedings in the case involving Avlani. However, the incident has sparked discussions online about the critical need for travelers to be fully aware of local laws in the countries they visit.
Sources: [1] US Embassy Advisory (2021) [2] BodyCamEdition Video (2021) [3] Legal Expert Interviews (2021) [4] United Nations Data (2021)
Visitors from India traveling to the United States should be aware that breaking US laws, such as theft, assault, or burglary, can lead to immediate visa revocation and potentially permanent barring from future entry. Furthermore, the US Embassy's advisory stresses that continued compliance with American laws is necessary after a visa is issued, as non-compliance can result in deportation and potential damage to future travel opportunities.
