The U.S. State Department is taking new and aggressive action against foreign-nationals who are arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs or similar crimes. This approach is unusual because the government is taking action even if the crime has not been proven and the foreign-national has not been convicted in court.
When a foreign-national is arrested for such a crime, the U.S. consulate sends an e-mail stating that the individual’s visa has been revoked. Though the letter states that the individual must leave the U.S., departure is not required by law. However, the current travel visa becomes invalid for re-entering the United States. Also, obtaining a new travel visa from a U.S. consulate within one year of the arrest will be more difficult. Driving while intoxicated now has especially negative repercussions for foreign-nationals which requires careful legal counsel.