US Embassy Warns Indians of Severe Consequences for Overstaying Visas; Defaulters May Face Permanent Ban

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to Indian nationals currently in or traveling to the United States, cautioning them against overstaying their authorized period of stay. The embassy emphasized that violating visa terms can lead to severe consequences, including deportation and a potential permanent ban on future travel to the US.

Consequences of Overstaying

1. Deportation: Overstaying your visa can result in deportation from the United States.

2. Permanent Ban: You could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future.

3. Fines and Penalties: Depending on the violation, financial penalties can be imposed, and some may face imprisonment.

4. Re-entry Bans: The duration of overstay can lead to varying lengths of re-entry bans, such as:

5. 1-180 days: Visa cancellation and future visa difficulties

6. 180+ days to under 1 year: 3-year re-entry ban

7. Over 1 year: 10-year re-entry ban

Current Immigration Policies

The warning comes amid heightened enforcement under the Trump administration's immigration policies. A federal appeals court recently blocked a policy allowing deportation of migrants to third countries without proper notice or safety checks, citing concerns over potential deportations to countries like Libya with human rights abuses.

Mandatory Registration

The US Department of Homeland Security has reminded foreign nationals staying in the US for over 30 days to register under the Alien Registration Act. Failure to comply may lead to:

1. Criminal Charges

2. Hefty Fines

3. Possible Imprisonment

Tips for Travelers

To avoid trouble, Indian visitors must be extra cautious about their visa timelines. Essential tips include:

1. Tracking I-94 Expiration Date: Not just your visa expiry

2. Applying for Extension: Before your authorized stay ends

3. Keeping Copies of Travel Documents: And legal records

4. Complying with Alien Registration Laws: If your stay exceeds 30 days