Visas Revoked For DUIs

The U.S. Department of State recently issued new criteria for visa revocation: Consular Officers must now revoke visas upon a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. Following an arrest, law enforcement officials enter the individual’s fingerprints into an interagency database, which alerts the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State then cancels the visa. Cancelation of the visa does not affect an individual’s ongoing status and does not require an individual to depart the U.S. However, it does block reentry if the visa’s holder receives a DUI, departs the U.S., and then attempts reentry. This is only for DUI charges within the last five years that were not addressed in the individual’s prior visa application. If the visa holder is arrested or convicted of a DUI charge the individual may apply for a new visa.

For further info contact Attorneys Caroline Brown, Robert Carey or Julie Morse.

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