US Embassy warns: Visas can be revoked anytime for rule violations — What travellers should know

The US Embassy in India issued a stern reminder to visa holders, stating that violating US laws or immigration rules could lead to immediate visa revocation and deportation. The announcement, shared through an official post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasised that US visa monitoring does not end after a visa is granted.“U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t,” the US Embassy wrote.The warning comes in the wake of new measures rolled out under the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration, with visa vetting protocols becoming increasingly stringent.

Social media under scrutiny

A key part of the new tightening involves the monitoring of social media activity of non-immigrant visa applicants. The US Government has directed applicants under F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visa categories to turn their social media profiles “public” to allow for background checks.On Friday (July 11), a day before the deportation warning, the Embassy had posted another advisory, cautioning applicants not to falsify or omit social media information during the visa process.

Read more: No more shoe checks: TSA updates airport screening rules; what flyers need to knowApplicants are now required to disclose all social media handles used in the past five years on their DS-160 visa application form. “Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” the embassy noted.

Zero tolerance on visa fraud

This is not the first time in recent weeks that the US Embassy has raised red flags about visa fraud. On June 28, it had issued a clear warning that those attempting to misrepresent or forge information during the visa process would be held accountable.

The statement read: “If you break US law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties.”

The cumulative message from the US administration is unmistakable: transparency, accuracy, and lawful conduct are non-negotiable when it comes to entering and remaining in the United States on a visa.

What it means for Indian applicants

India remains one of the top countries for student and work visa applications to the US. These latest announcements serve as a reminder for Indian applicants and visa holders to stay compliant with US immigration laws, avoid misrepresentation, and ensure that their social media activity does not raise concerns during background checks.Read more: 6 unmissable stops that make Chandigarh to Shimla hill tour worthwhileThe embassy’s travel advisory also highlights that the US reserves the right to reassess and revoke visas at any point if a violation is found. This means that receiving a visa is not a final clearance, and any future behaviour, online or offline, can affect one’s legal status in the country.As the US intensifies its immigration scrutiny under current policies, applicants are urged to be truthful, diligent, and informed at every stage of the visa process.