US Embassy in India Warns Visa Holders as Screening Continues After Issue

NEW DELHI:

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory emphasising that visa scrutiny does not end once a visa is granted, warning that revocation and deportation remain possible if holders violate terms while in the United States.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, the Embassy reminded visa recipients, particularly those on tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F‑1), work (H‑1B), or exchange (J‑1) visas, that compliance with all US immigration and legal requirements is mandatory throughout their stay. “A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” the statement read. “Visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued and we may revoke your visa if you break the law.”  

The advisory warns that violations, such as using illegal drugs, overstaying, skipping classes without notification, or engaging in political protest, can result in immediate visa revocation and deportation. It particularly noted that student visa holders fall under tight monitoring and “may lose eligibility for future visas” if they fail to meet programme requirements.  

This marks the third warning in four weeks by the Embassy, reflecting urgency amid broader US efforts to tighten immigration enforcement. A June 24 notice stated those attempting illegal entry may be detained, deported, and permanently banned, desrcribing illegal migration as “costly and dangerous.”  

Another warning, published in mid June, required all Indian student visa applicants to make their social media profiles publicly accessible for consular review. A measure aimed at screening applicants more thoroughly. The Embassy also cautioned that visa fraud and overstaying could lead to jail sentences, deportation, and permanent visa bans.  

In a June 19 advisory, the Embassy reiterated that students and visitors who break US laws or use illegal substances will be deemed ineligible for future visas. “Screening doesn’t stop after a visa is issued,” the announcement emphasised.  

These repeated advisories follow a recent high profile case when an Indian student was deported from Newark Airport, an incident that circulated widely on social media. Reacting swiftly, the Embassy stated that such violations were becoming “alarmingly routine” and reiterated: “We will revoke their visa if they break the law.”  

The embassy’s notices come amid a Trump administration crackdown on immigration, including imposing visa bans on Indian travel agents accused of aiding illegal migration, as announced on 19 May under the Immigration and Nationality Act. These actions coincide with increased immigration enforcement in the US, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and Newark.

For Indian nationals holding US visas, the message is clear: maintain legal status at all times. Whether through timely class attendance, abiding by employment rules, abstaining from illicit activities, or upholding lawful conduct, failures could lead to severe consequences, including permanent ineligibility for future US visas and even detention in the United States.

The Indian government has not issued an official response to these advisories. However, the increasing frequency and severity of warnings serve as a caution to Indian travellers, highlighting the evolving complexity of international travel and the elevated standards now expected of visa holders.