Breaking laws could lead to visa revocation, US embassy warns

Dubai: The United States Embassy in India has released a new advisory for visa holders following a video that went viral online, showing an Indian woman being arrested in the US for alleged shoplifting. The embassy emphatically warned that breaking American laws could result in immediate visa revocation and extended travel bans.

The advisory, issued shortly after the video garnered significant online attention, stated: “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 US visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws.”

This clear statement comes just a day after bodycam footage went viral, depicting an Indian tourist, identified as Avlani, being detained outside a Target store in the United States. She faces accusations of shoplifting merchandise valued at nearly $1,000. The video, released by the YouTube channel @BodyCamEdition, captures her conversation with law enforcement officers during the arrest.

In the footage, Avlani is heard asking officers, “Why can’t I just pay for it?” An officer's response underscores the seriousness of the situation: “We’re way past that. You committed a felony.”

The embassy’s warning aligns with the broader enforcement direction under the current US administration’s immigration policy. United Nations data indicates that over 142,000 individuals have been deported from the US since January. The administration has also intensified background checks and social media screening for visa applicants. While India isn't directly impacted by recent travel restrictions imposed on certain nations, enforcement actions have generally increased across various visa categories.

Legal experts highlight that such incidents can lead to the cancellation of valid visas and may prevent individuals from reapplying for US visas in the future. The incident has also sparked discussions online about the critical need for travellers to be fully aware of local laws in the countries they visit. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the legal proceedings in the case involving Avlani.

The US Embassy has strongly advised all Indian nationals travelling to the United States to ensure complete compliance with American laws throughout their stay.