'Privilege, Not A Right': US Again Warns Against Visa Revocation For Foreigners Over Breaking Law

The US Embassy in India warned foreign nationals that committing crimes like assault or domestic violence in the US can lead to visa revocation and future ineligibility.

This follows a shoplifting incident involving an Indian national and increased deportations.

Source : Freepik

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to foreign nationals against committing crimes like assault, domestic violence, or other serious offences in America. 

It warned that such serious offences could result in immediate revocation of visa and jeopardise eligibility for future entry into the United States. 

Taking to X, the Embassy stated that a US visa is "a privilege, not a right," adding that criminal activity can result in severe immigration penalties, whether committed in America or elsewhere abroad. 

"If you are arrested for assault, domestic violence, or other crimes while in the United States, your US visa may be revoked, and you may be ineligible for future US visas. A visa is a privilege, not a right - one that can be revoked if you break the law," the post read.

If you are arrested for assault, domestic violence, or other crimes while in the United States, your U.S. visa may be revoked, and you may be ineligible for future U.S. visas. A visa is a privilege, not a right – one that can be revoked if you break the law. pic.twitter.com/PatOwfuLHT

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 22, 2025

Trump's Crackdown On Illegal Immigration 

The announcement comes amid US President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration, doubling down on his administration's pledge to expel foreign nationals involved in any form of criminal activity. 

The warning also comes just days after the US Embassy in India issued a similar strong-worded advisory for foreigners on American visas. 

The statement came in the wake of an incident involving an Indian woman who was caught shoplifting items worth over $1,300 (approximately Rs 1.11 lakh) from a Target store in Illinois. The incident took place in May, but the video of the woman being taken into detention by the police went viral earlier this month. 

Responding to the viral video, the Ministry of External Affairs also urged the citizens travelling abroad to respect local laws and uphold the country's image. The ministry also confirmed that more than 1,500 Indians have been deported this year from the US.