Accused spent over 7 hours collecting ₹1.1 lakh worth of items before attempting to exit without payment, triggering embassy alert for visa holders.
Visa Could Be Revoked for Crimes Like Theft, Says Embassy
The US Embassy in India has issued a strong warning to visa holders, stating that crimes such as assault, theft, or burglary in the United States can lead to visa revocation and future ineligibility for US visas.
The advisory was released following a recent incident involving an Indian woman accused of stealing merchandise worth ₹1.1 lakh ($1,300) from a Target store in Illinois. The embassy reminded all foreign visitors to respect US laws, warning that such actions can have severe legal and immigration consequences.
“Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause 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 posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Legal Implications of Theft in the US
According to information from congress.gov, theft-related offenses such as larceny, robbery, burglary, and embezzlement are criminalized under both state and federal law, depending on the severity and circumstances.
These offenses may carry felony charges, which are considered serious crimes in the US and can severely impact a person’s immigration status and future travel privileges.
What Triggered the Advisory?
The embassy’s warning came after a widely circulated incident involving an Indian woman in Illinois:
- Date of Incident: May 1, 2025
- Location: Target store, Illinois
- Value of items stolen: ~$1,300 (₹1.1 lakh)
- Duration in store: Over 7 hours
Caught on Camera: Viral Confrontation at Target
The incident gained attention after police bodycam footage and a Target employee’s account were posted online. In the video, the employee claims:
“We saw this woman roaming around the store for the last 7 hours. She was picking up items, checking her phone, moving between aisles, and eventually tried to walk out the west gate without paying.”
The footage shows the woman being confronted by store staff, offering to pay, and later being handcuffed and taken to the police station. A female police officer is heard asking:
“Are you allowed to steal things in India? I did not think so.”
Legal Proceedings Underway
While the woman was not immediately arrested, felony charges are expected, according to the video narration. Under US law, theft of this scale can qualify as a felony, carrying potential jail time and immigration consequences, including visa cancellation and deportation.
Takeaway for Indian Visitors
The US Embassy’s message is clear: Obeying US laws is not just a civic duty—but a condition for remaining in the country legally.
Foreign nationals, especially those on non-immigrant visas, are advised to avoid any actions that could violate state or federal law, as even minor offenses can have life-altering consequences.
