The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to visa holders and applicants, stating that individuals involved in criminal activities such as theft or assault in the United States will face immediate visa cancellation and permanent blacklisting from future entry.
The advisory follows a recent incident involving an Indian woman who was caught shoplifting merchandise worth approximately ₹1.1 lakh ($1,000) from a Target store in the US. The case has drawn attention to the serious legal consequences non-citizens face when violating U.S. laws.
In its statement, the embassy emphasized that even first-time offenders are not exempt from strict action. “If you commit a crime in the U.S., your visa will be cancelled. You could also be permanently barred from entering the United States,” the advisory stated.
Officials have urged Indian nationals traveling to or residing in the U.S. to abide by local laws and maintain lawful conduct at all times. The embassy reiterated that criminal behavior not only impacts individual travel records but also undermines the trust placed in visa applicants from India.
The warning serves as a reminder that visa privileges come with responsibilities, and abuse of those privileges can result in long-term consequences.