US Embassy warns Indian nationals their visas can be revoked for criminal offenses

Following the viral video of an Indian woman caught shoplifting goods worth $1,300 from a store in the United States, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a warning to Indian nationals. It stated that individuals involved in criminal activities may have their US visas revoked and could be deemed ineligible for future entry.

In the video, the woman was seen pleading with officers not to arrest her, offering to pay for the stolen items. Despite her repeated offers, the police proceeded with the arrest.

She had been visiting the US with her family when the incident occurred at a Target store, from which she claimed she was taking gifts for her relatives in India.

The woman denied any intent to steal, insisting she was on a phone call and didn’t realise she had exited the store without paying. She argued that a store employee should have warned her instead of calling the police.

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

However, a police officer informed her that she had bypassed all the cash registers and pushed a cart full of unpaid goods out of the store before being stopped by staff. The officer emphasised that such actions constitute a criminal offense under US law.

Read: Viral video shows Indian woman apologising to police after shoplifting in US

While the woman’s identity and the exact date of the incident remain undisclosed, the video of her arrest and argument with police spread widely on social media.

The US embassy reminded Indian nationals that offenses such as larceny, burglary, and embezzlement are taken seriously and may carry federal charges. It also reiterated that anyone convicted of a crime in the US may be barred from obtaining a US visa in the future.