New Delhi– The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a strong cautionary statement to Indian nationals and other foreign visitors, emphasizing that engaging in criminal activities in the United States, such as theft, assault, or breaking and entering, can lead to visa revocation and a permanent ban from future entry into the country.
This significant warning follows a widely publicized incident involving an Indian tourist who was allegedly caught attempting to leave a Target store in Illinois without paying for items valued at approximately USD 1,300 (about Rs 1.1 lakh). According to local reports, the individual, identified as Avlani, was apprehended by store staff after spending over seven hours inside the retail outlet. A bodycam video clip, which has since gone viral, shows her pleading with police to be allowed to pay for the merchandise on the spot. However, authorities declined, asserting that the situation had escalated to a criminal theft case.
“Breaking US Law Can Lead to Visa Revocation”: The Embassy’s Stance
In a direct message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy in India stated: “Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States will not only 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 international tourists to abide by all U.S. laws.”
Legal experts have underscored the gravity of such offenses, even if a formal conviction is not secured. Crimes like shoplifting are classified as “Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude” (CIMT), which carry severe immigration ramifications. Alen Takhsh, a US immigration lawyer, clarified that even an arrest for shoplifting can trigger immigration proceedings. “This is a dishonest crime that carries the risk of deportation and visa revocation. A person can be barred from reentering the United States for even petty theft,” he explained.
Viral Bodycam Footage Highlights Incident
The widely circulated bodycam footage, shared by @BodyCamEdition, shows the Indian woman being detained after a Target employee reported suspicious behavior. The employee can be heard stating, “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.” In the footage, a police officer is heard questioning her, “Are you allowed to steal here in India? I didn’t believe that.” Despite her attempts to negotiate and offer immediate payment, the woman was detained and transported to a nearby police station for further investigation.
Alignment with Broader Immigration Enforcement
This advisory from the US Embassy aligns with the broader immigration enforcement initiatives being pursued under the Trump administration. Recent figures indicate a heightened focus on deportations, with over 142,000 individuals deported from the US so far this year. While recent travel restrictions do not specifically target India, the United States has intensified its screening processes for new visa applicants, including mandatory disclosure and inspection of social media accounts.
The US Embassy’s stern reminder serves as a crucial warning to all Indian nationals and international visitors: adherence to US laws is paramount, as violations can lead to not only criminal consequences but also jeopardize future travel plans and immigration status
