Break U.S. laws and risk deportation, visa ban – Embassy warns Ghanaians

In a statement posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page, officials stressed: “Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your visa.” The message added: “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.”

The post ended with a firm reminder: “Follow the rules and don’t jeopardise your travel. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”

The advisory follows heightened enforcement by U.S. immigration authorities amid a rise in visa cancellations linked to criminal activity, overstays, and fraudulent applications. The embassy’s post, marked with the hashtag #RespectVisaRules, appears to be a preemptive caution to discourage risky behaviour that may violate immigration or criminal laws.

Under U.S. immigration law, any visa holder convicted of a criminal offence — including minor infractions — could be deported immediately and barred permanently from re-entry.

The embassy encouraged travellers to respect all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including traffic regulations and immigration protocols, as part of their responsibility while in the United States.

In a related development, the U.S. Department of State recently announced new guidelines requiring applicants for nonimmigrant visa categories F (students), J (exchange visitors), and M (vocational students) to make their social media accounts public as part of the screening process.

A spokesperson for the State Department explained that applicants who keep their social media accounts private “may be deemed as trying to hide their activity,” potentially affecting the outcome of their visa applications.

These policy changes reflect ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to enhance national security and prevent the misuse of visa privileges by international visitors.

As the U.S. continues to tighten its immigration processes, the embassy’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that the opportunity to visit or study in America comes with significant responsibilities. Violations could not only end travel plans but also bring long-term consequences for offenders.