New Delhi [India], July 17 (ANI): The US Embassy in India on Thursday issued a warning that committing crimes such as assault, theft, or burglary while in the United States can result in the revocation of an individual’s visa and make them ineligible for future US visas.
In a post on X, the Embassy wrote: “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 U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all U.S. laws.”
The advisory comes amid US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to deport undocumented immigrants and those convicted of crimes. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 1,42,000 people were deported from the US between January 20 and April 29 of this year.
US law treats theft and related crimes seriously, with penalties varying by state and depending on the value of goods stolen and the circumstances of the crime. Federal law also prohibits certain theft-related activities, with statutes referring to offences as larceny, embezzlement, robbery, and burglary.
As per the US Department of Justice, most states grant merchants the right to approach and detain suspected shoplifters in a limited way, and many also allow civil lawsuits by store owners against offenders.
In general, shoplifting goods worth under USD 300 is charged as a Class A misdemeanour, carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to USD 2,500. Theft involving property worth more than USD 300 is treated as a Class 4 felony, punishable by fines up to USD 25,000 and imprisonment ranging from one to three years.
The Embassy’s statement underscores the growing emphasis on adherence to US laws by foreign visitors, as violations may carry immigration consequences in addition to criminal penalties. (ANI)
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