• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The US Embassy in India issued a strong advisory telling Indian citizens and other foreigners visiting the US that those found engaging in criminal activities like theft, assault, or breaking and entering will have their visas cancelled and be barred from re-entry into the US permanently.

The warning message follows a stunning experience with an Indian traveler who allegedly spent over seven hours inside a Target store in Illinois and tried to leave with goods valued at USD 1,300 (equivalent to Rs 1.1 lakh) without payment. As per local news, Avlani was stopped by shop employees and subsequently taken into custody by the police. A clip of bodycam footage circulating on the internet captures her begging the police to let her pay for the merchandise in cash immediately. But the police refused, saying the case had turned into a felony theft case.

"Breaking US Law Can Lead to Visa Revocation": Embassy

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy in India wrote, "Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all U.S. laws." This follows increasing alarm over visa abuse and infractions by foreign students and tourists. Experts in the law have explained that offenses such as shoplifting qualify as 'Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude' (CIMT) and carry severe immigration implications, even if the defendant is not found guilty.

US immigration attorney Alen Takhsh clarified that a shoplifting arrest can be sufficient to initiate immigration action. "This is a crime of dishonesty and can result in visa revocation and deportation. Even a petty theft can make a person ineligible for re-entry into the United States," he stated.

ALSO READ: What Is New US Visa Integrity Fee? Impact On Indian Tourists, Students And Workers

Police Bodycam Video Captures Hours-Long Shoplifting Attempt

The viral clip posted by @BodyCamEdition depicts the Indian woman being held back after a Target staff member reported suspicious activity. "We observed this woman wandering around the store for the past 7 hours, taking items, moving from aisle to aisle, and then trying to leave without paying," the employee can be heard saying. In the video, a policeman is heard asking her, "Are you permitted to steal here in India? I didn't think so." Though she tried negotiating, the woman was handcuffed and brought to a local police station for further investigation.

ALSO READ: US Visa Rules: Embassy Warns Your Visa Can Be Revoked Even After Issuance For THESE Violations

The embassy alert also fits with President Trump's administration's overall immigration enforcement efforts. The latest statistics indicate that more than 1.42 lakh people have been deported from the US so far this year. India is not specifically targeted by recent travel restrictions, but the US has beefed up social media checks and screening procedures on new visa seekers. The US Embassy reminded all Indian citizens and other foreign travelers to abide by local laws during visitation or residence in the United States. Disobedience to US laws not only leads to criminal charges but also risks future travel arrangements and immigration.