NEW DELHI: The United States Embassy in India has warned Indian nationals that illegally migrating to the United States or breaking US laws could lead to “significant criminal penalties”, as Washington intensifies its crackdown on immigration under President Donald Trump.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the US Embassy said the Trump administration was committed to ending illegal immigration and strengthening border enforcement.
“If you break US law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties,” the message said. “The Trump Administration is committed to ending illegal immigration to the United States and protecting our nation’s borders and our citizens.”
If you break U.S. law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties. The Trump Administration is committed to ending illegal immigration to the United States and protecting our nation’s borders and our citizens. pic.twitter.com/bjKzUozpOh
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 30, 2025
US officials did not say why the warning was directed specifically at Indian nationals. Neither the US State Department nor American missions in other countries have issued similar public advisories.
Since taking office in January, President Trump has pursued stricter immigration policies, including mass deportations and tighter visa rules.
Deportation of Indian nationals
In February, a US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar.
While previous US administrations have deported undocumented Indian migrants, it was the first time Washington used a military aircraft for the purpose.
The administration has also moved to make legal immigration more restrictive. In September, Trump ordered a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which allow US companies to hire foreign workers with specialised skills such as engineers, scientists and computer programmers.
India’s foreign ministry said the higher H-1B visa fee could have humanitarian consequences. India’s leading technology industry body, Nasscom, also expressed concern about the timeline and impact of the new fee.
US authorities have also sharply increased visa cancellations. Since January 20, the Trump administration has revoked around 80,000 non-immigrant visas for offences ranging from driving under the influence to assault and theft, according to a senior State Department official.
About 16,000 revocations were linked to driving under the influence, while roughly 12,000 were for assault and 8,000 for theft. The official said these three offences accounted for nearly half of all visa revocations this year.
In August, a State Department spokesperson said more than 6,000 student visas had been revoked for overstaying or violating the law, including a small number for alleged “support for terrorism”.
Strains in US–India relations
The warning comes amid growing strains in relations between Washington and New Delhi. Ties have been under pressure following President Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods.
Trump has also threatened additional tariffs, accusing India of dumping rice in the US market by selling shipments below their normal value.
Relations have been further complicated by India’s unease over US engagement with Pakistan after the May conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Trump has repeatedly claimed he played a central role in de-escalating the crisis, a claim India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described as “completely incorrect”.
The United States has also pursued closer ties with Pakistan, while simultaneously targeting India with trade measures.
Observers say the future of US–India relations may depend on Washington’s approach to China. A more accommodating US stance towards Beijing could reduce India’s strategic importance.
