US Visa Screening Continues Post-Issuance: US Embassy Clarifies It’s a ‘Privilege, Not a Right’

A US visa is considered “a privilege, not a right,” and the screening process does not end once a visa is granted. Authorities have the ability to revoke a visa if laws are violated, as stated by the country’s embassy on Thursday. In a concise announcement, the US Embassy emphasized that engaging in illegal drug use or violating any US laws while on a student or visitor visa may result in ineligibility for future US visas.

This statement was disseminated via the embassy’s X account. It comes amid a renewed immigration crackdown by the Trump administration in Los Angeles, California, recently.

“Engaging in illegal drug activities or breaking US laws while on a student/visitor visa can render you ineligible for future US visas. Remember, a US visa is a privilege, not a right. The US visa screening continues even after the visa is issued – and we may revoke your visa if you break the law,” it said. This marks the third such announcement from the US Embassy in India this month, reiterating that while legal travelers to America are welcomed, illegal entries or visa abuses will not be accepted by the country.

Engaging in illegal drug activities or breaking any U.S. laws while on a student/visitor visa can make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued – and we may revoke your visa if you break the law. pic.twitter.com/YaSm0pNkTm

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) June 19, 2025

The United States “will not tolerate” anyone who aids in illegal and mass immigration to the US, according to the embassy’s statement on June 16.

In its statement, the US Embassy noted that the United States has implemented “new visa restrictions” aimed at foreign government officials and others involved in such activities.

On June 10, the embassy also reiterated that the United States welcomes genuine travelers, but it “cannot and will not tolerate” illegal entry, visa abuse, or violations of US law.

Meanwhile, the US State Department on June 18 announced the resumption of the process for foreign student visa applications, requiring that all applicants unlock their social media accounts for government review.

Consular officers will be monitoring for posts and messages that could be considered hostile to the United States, its government, culture, institutions, or foundational principles.

A notice released on Wednesday stated that the department had lifted its May suspension of student visa processing; however, new applicants who refuse to make their social media accounts “public” for review may face rejection. Not complying could be interpreted as an attempt to evade the requirements or conceal online actions.

Last month, the Trump administration temporarily halted scheduling new visa interviews for international students aiming to study in the US while preparing to enhance the scrutiny of their social media activities, officials indicated.

Students worldwide are anxiously awaiting the reopening of visa interview appointments at U.S. consulates, as the timeframe for booking travel and arranging housing is narrowing ahead of the upcoming school year.