The United States Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory to visa holders and applicants, warning that involvement in criminal activities such as assault, theft, or burglary while in the United States can result in immediate visa cancellation. This warning follows a recent incident involving an Indian woman who was caught shoplifting items worth over ₹1.1 lakh (approximately $1,300) at a Target store in Illinois.

Embassy Emphasizes Consequences for Breaking US Laws

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy said, “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 embassy added that the United States holds law and order in high regard and expects all foreign visitors to comply fully with American laws.

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. pic.twitter.com/MYU6tx83Zh

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 16, 2025

 Viral Video Sparks Debate

The warning comes in the wake of a viral video showing the woman being confronted by police officers after allegedly attempting to leave the store without paying for a cart full of goods. According to reports, she had spent over seven hours inside the store, moving between aisles and filling her cart. Bodycam footage released by a YouTube channel shows her being detained, during which she pleads with officers to allow her to pay for the items.

“But if I’m paying for it, what is the harm?” she is heard saying. An officer responds, “It would have been fine if you didn’t leave, right? You would have had that opportunity to pay. But because you left the store at that point, you chose not to pay for it, and we can’t go back.”

“I don’t want to get into any trouble… I haven’t done anything yet. What should I do? I’m really sorry… What’s the harm? I’m ready to pay for this,” she said.

BREAKING: Indian woman named Ananya Avlani (tourist) visiting the US shoplifted $1,300 (Rs1,11,617) worth of goods from a Target store in Illinois pic.twitter.com/RCDUMWQiBj

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 16, 2025

Facing Legal and Immigration Repercussions

The woman now reportedly faces felony charges related to the alleged theft. Though she had not been formally arrested at the time of reporting, charges were expected to be filed. The incident has drawn criticism online, with many users expressing concern over the potential diplomatic and social fallout.

During the police interrogation, a female officer was heard asking the woman, “Are you allowed to steal things in India? I did not think so,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the consequences that follow violations of local law in any country.

US Tightens Scrutiny on Visa Applicants

In a related move, the US State Department has introduced new measures for applicants of F, M, or J non-immigrant visas. Applicants are now required to set their social media accounts to ‘public’ to aid in identity verification and ensure greater transparency during background checks.

Last month, the US Embassy also warned that violating immigration laws or being linked to criminal offenses could lead to deportation and disqualification from future visa applications.

A Message to All Foreign Visitors

The embassy’s recent advisories make it clear that the US government is taking a strict stance on criminal behavior by foreign nationals. “The United States values law and order,” the advisory reiterated, “and expects all visitors to respect and follow US laws.”

The incident serves as a cautionary tale for all international travelers. Even minor offenses such as shoplifting can result in significant legal consequences and long-term damage to one’s immigration record.

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