The United States Embassy in India on Wednesday issued a cautionary advisory to students, warning that violations of US law could lead to visa cancellations, deportation, and long-term bans on future travel.Emphasising that a US visa is a privilege rather than a right, the embassy said entry into the country is not an entitlement and depends on continued compliance with American laws and regulations.
In a post on X, the US Embassy said, “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. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right.” The advisory came amid increased scrutiny of immigration compliance in the United States and periodic warnings from US authorities to foreign nationals about maintaining lawful status while studying or working in the country.From December 26, mandatory biometric checking of all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, at border points came into effect. Under the rule, US Customs and Border Protection officials took photographs of non-US citizens at every entry and exit point across airports, land crossings and seaports.The new rule applied to all non-US citizens entering or exiting the country, including children below 14 years and adults over 79 years.The biometric system aimed to address security and visa-overstay concerns. DHS said it was not for broad surveillance, though critics remained wary.Biometric collection at exit for the US was earlier limited to pilot programmes at select ports, but it was now mandatory.
