US Embassy Ghana Serves Another Warning to Visa Holders: "You May be Deported"
- The US Embassy in Ghana warned visa holders that violating US laws could result in visa revocations and deportations
- The warning is considered a preemptive caution to travellers who may underestimate the strict enforcement of US immigration laws
- The embassy previously warned that there would be consequences for persons who flout their laws in an attempt to travel to the US
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The US Embassy in Ghana has warned visa holders that violating US laws could result in visa revocation, deportation, and permanent ineligibility for future travel to the US.
This warning comes amid increasing scrutiny on visa compliance and immigration enforcement in the US.
Source: Getty Images
In a statement, the embassy said:
"Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right."
The embassy’s post, tagged with #RespectVisaRules, serves as a preemptive caution to travellers who may underestimate the strict enforcement of US immigration laws.
According to US immigration policy, visa holders convicted of crimes—including minor offences—risk immediate deportation and a potential lifetime ban from re-entry.
The embassy urged visa holders to obey all US federal, state, and local laws, including traffic and immigration regulations.
Last week, the US State Department announced that it will consider online presence in the selection process for F, J, and M nonimmigrant visas — the international student and visiting scholar visa categories — and instructed applicants to make their social media profiles public.
The guidelines will impact all applicants who apply for F visas, which are primarily used by students.
Applicants for the M visas, used for vocational students, and the J visas, used by exchange students, will also be impacted, a State Department spokesperson said.
Those who keep their social media accounts private may be deemed as trying to hide their activity, the department added.
Previous warning from US Embassy
The embassy previously warned that there would be consequences for persons, including students, who flout their laws in an attempt to travel to the US.
Source: Getty Images
In the earlier statement, the embassy stated that it would not tolerate any attempts by Ghanaians to enter the US illegally.
It added that attempts to falsify information for a visa, work without proper authorisation, or overstay a visa will also come with significant penalties.
"We remain committed to welcoming visitors from Ghana who wish to study, invest, or engage in business activities in the United States. It is essential for all applicants to comply with U.S. laws. Any attempts to enter the United States illegally, falsify information for a visa, work without proper authorization, or overstay a visa will incur significant penalties."
The statement concluded by urging Ghanaians who desire to travel to the US not to engage a fixer in a desperate attempt to obtain a visa.
US resumes student visas, sets social media rule
The US has announced that it has resumed issuing student visas to foreign nationals who would like to study in the country.
This new development comes after the US State Department said in May that it would suspend the issuance of student visas to foreigners.
According to an Associated Press report on June 18, the State Department directed consular offices to ensure that students seeking to study in the US make their social media accounts available for screening.
With this, applicants are expected to adjust their account privacy to public. The move is also aimed at determining whether applicants desirous of studying in the US are hostile towards the country's culture and principles.
Applicants who fail to adhere to the new requirements could have their visas denied.
"Under new guidance, consular officers will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants."
“The enhanced social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country."
US Embassy transitions to new website
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the US Embassy in Accra in 2024 moved to a new visa services provider.
The switch marks the end of access to the previous website and services, which had been discontinued in August 2024.
With this, applicants could visit the new website to create an account, which would be used to update preferences.
Source: YEN.com.gh
