Overview

• The US Embassy in India cautioned on July 17 that assault, theft or burglary in America could trigger visa cancellation and long-term ineligibility.
• The warning was prompted by a viral bodycam video of an Indian visitor allegedly shoplifting over $1,300 worth of goods from a Target store in Illinois.
• The Department of State’s Consular Affairs office separately highlighted that arrests for assault, domestic violence or other serious offenses may lead to immediate visa revocation.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged citizens abroad to respect host-country laws to protect personal safety and national reputation.
• Since mid-May, US authorities have expanded post-issuance visa screening, introduced social media disclosure requirements and revoked status for fraud or security violations.