The US government has intensified its immigration enforcement policies, leading the US Embassy in India to issue a high-alert advisory to all foreign visitors. The advisory urges strict adherence to visa terms to avoid severe penalties, including deportation, lifetime re-entry bans, substantial fines, and imprisonment. This increased scrutiny is driven by the implementation of Executive Order 14159, aimed at curbing unlawful stays and strengthening border control.

Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” was signed into effect on January 20 and empowers the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to aggressively enforce immigration laws. The core objective is to reduce illegal stays and ensure accountability from all foreign nationals visiting the country. Travelers from India and other nations are urged to respect the duration of their visas, as leniency has significantly diminished under current enforcement efforts. Even minor infractions, such as short overstays or failure to report address changes, can now result in legal repercussions.

The US government has also reiterated the importance of compliance with the Alien Registration Act. This legislation requires all non-US nationals staying in the country for more than thirty days to register their presence and keep authorities updated on their address. Violations of this act can lead to criminal prosecution, substantial financial penalties, and detention or incarceration.

Recent judicial developments include a federal appeals court declining a request from the US government to reinstate expedited deportations without notice. Despite this, officials are pressing forward with increased monitoring, data sharing across departments, and automated flagging of visa overstay risks.

Given the increased enforcement efforts, travelers from India planning trips to the United States should take the following steps to remain compliant:

• Understand Visa Conditions: Know the exact duration of stay allowed and plan travel accordingly.
• Avoid Last-Minute Extensions: Applying for visa extensions at the last moment may result in rejections or illegal status.
• Register If Required: If staying more than thirty days, register under the Alien Registration Act without delay.
• Monitor Official Updates: Policies may change rapidly, so staying informed through the US Department of State or embassy websites is crucial.

The consequences of overstaying a US visa include visa cancellation, increased scrutiny for future applications, three-year or ten-year re-entry bans, deportation, visa revocation, and denial of future entry. Monetary fines, loss of future visa eligibility, and detention by immigration authorities are also potential risks for violating US visa terms.

To remain compliant with US immigration laws, visitors should:

• Monitor their I-94 record.
• Request an extension in advance if more time is needed.
• Maintain a file of official documents.
• Comply with Alien Registration requirements.

Travelers must exercise greater caution and responsibility during their stay in the US, as non-compliance can lead to severe consequences. Respecting US immigration laws is essential for a safe, trouble-free visit and continued eligibility for future entry.