The US Embassy in India on Tuesday issued a clear warning to Indian travelers that Washington will not tolerate visa abuse or illegal entry into the country. The statement follows a viral video showing an Indian student being handcuffed at Newark Airport. The footage, widely shared on social media, was posted by Indian-American entrepreneur Kunal Jain, who claimed the student was crying and being treated like a criminal.
US Government’s Stance on Legal Travel
In response, the US federal government clarified its position, stating, “We welcome legitimate travelers to our country. However, there is no right to visit the United States.” The embassy further declared, “We cannot and will not tolerate illegal entry, abuse of visas, or the violation of US law.”
As reports surfaced, the Indian Consulate General in New York addressed the incident. “We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard,” officials stated on X.
Trump’s Strict Immigration Policies
This crackdown comes amid Donald Trump’s intensified immigration policies. His administration has deployed the National Guard to control anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles and has issued stricter visa rules.
Recently, Trump enforced a travel ban on 12 nations, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens from these countries cannot travel to the US or obtain visas.
Immigration Policies Target Foreign Students
The administration has also targeted foreign students, particularly following pro-Palestinian protests that erupted on US campuses in 2024. Stricter rules on student visas have led to increased deportations and surveillance of international students.
