US Embassy warns of visa consequences after shoplifting incident involving Indian woman
This cautionary note comes after a widely shared video showed an Indian woman, identified as Avlani, being arrested for allegedly shoplifting items worth approximately INR 1.1 lakh (around $1,300) from a Target store in Illinois. The footage, released on a YouTube channel called @BodyCamEdition, shows her pleading with officers to let her go. 'Why can't I just pay for it?' she asks. But the officer responds, 'We're way past that.
You committed a felony.'
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A day after the video went viral, the US Embassy in India took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a clear message: '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 US visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws.'
The embassy further emphasised that criminal activity, regardless of the perceived severity, can have long-term immigration consequences.
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''Regardless, this is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude, namely one that involves dishonesty and could have serious consequences. If you are in the U.S. on a student visa, an arrest for shoplifting, let alone a conviction, could result in your visa being revoked. If you are in the U.S.
on a visitor or work visa, it could lead to you not being allowed to reenter the US in the future' said Alen Takhsh, a US based immigration lawyer.
The woman in question reportedly spent over four hours in the Target store, browsing various sections, before allegedly leaving with unpaid merchandise. A store employee alerted the authorities, who later apprehended her. In the video, she is heard saying, 'I don't want to get into any trouble… I haven't done anything yet… I'm really sorry.' When asked about her passport, she pleads with the officers not to take her to the police station.
This incident has sparked debate and concern across social media, especially among Indian nationals traveling to or residing in the US. While some expressed sympathy, others pointed out that ignorance or regret doesn't excuse criminal conduct, particularly in a country with strict immigration laws.
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The embassy's advisory also arrives amid broader immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration. According to the United Nations, over 1.42 lakh individuals have been deported from the US since January. In recent years, the country has increased scrutiny of visa applicants, including mandatory disclosure of social media accounts and tighter enforcement at ports of entry.
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