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Warning from US embassy in India for student visa holders: ‘If you violate laws…'
The US Embassy said that those found violating laws will be deported, their visa revoked and could be ineligible for future US visas.
The United States Embassy in India on Wednesday issued a stern warning for international students, stating that those found in violation of the US laws may be deported and their visa revoked.
The embassy warned that violating US laws or getting arrested can lead to revocation of student visa, could lead to deportation or even makes an international student ineligible for US visas in future.
“Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas,” the US Embassy said in a post on X. It further said that the US visa is a privilege, not a right.
Last week, the embassy has issued a warning for those seeking H-1B and H-4 work visas, stating that violations of US immigration laws could lead to significant criminal penalties.
The latest warning comes amid the Donald Trump-led US government's ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration and toughening the H-1B and student visa process.
Also Read: US officials warn Indian applicants against guaranteed H-1B visa claims - All details
Amid the toughening visa norms, the student visa arrivals in the US fell by 17% in new international enrolments last year. The August 2024 data showed a 19% year-on-year dip in international student arrivals to US, lowest since 2021 and majorly driven by a fall from India.
Meanwhile, the H-1B visa applicants, which allows skilled international workers to find employment in the US, are facing unprecedented waiting periods.
Several visa appointments from India at US consulates were cancelled or pushed back by months after policy changes were introduced by the US government.
On the illegal imigration too, the embassy, calling it “fruitless journey”, said illegal immigrants are targets of violent cartels, human traffickers, and corrupt officials.
“Illegal immigrants are exploited and victimized in what ultimately proves to be a fruitless journey. The only people who benefit from illegal immigration are traffickers,” the embassy's post on January 2 said.
