A viral video of an Indian tourist being arrested in the United States for alleged shoplifting has prompted a stern warning from the US Embassy in India. The tourist, identified as Avlani, was caught on bodycam footage being arrested for stealing nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from a Target store. She reportedly spent over seven hours in the store before attempting to leave without paying.
When confronted, Avlani pleaded with police officers, saying, “Why can’t I just pay for it?” An officer responded, “We’re way past that. You committed a felony.”
The arrest has led the US Embassy in India to issue a strong advisory to visa holders, stating:
“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.”
US immigration lawyer Alen Takhsh clarified that even without a conviction, such arrests can carry harsh immigration penalties. “Shoplifting is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude. It implies dishonesty and can impact immigration status,” he said.
This advisory also comes amid a broader immigration crackdown. Over 1.42 lakh individuals have been deported since January, and stricter social media vetting measures are now in place for US visa applicants.
Foreign visitors are now being reminded that following local laws is non-negotiable, and violations may have long-term consequences.