Two Jamaicans say they have been left searching for answers after their valid U.S. visitor visas were suddenly revoked before their expiration dates.
The individuals, identified by The Jamaica Star as “Roy” and “Lisa” to protect their identities, said they received notifications informing them that their visas had been revoked. Both maintain that they have never overstayed, worked illegally in the United States or knowingly violated the conditions of their visitor visas.
Roy, who works in corporate Jamaica, said his visa still had several years remaining when he received the notice. He told The Star that he normally travelled to the United States once or twice a year for vacations, shopping and visits with relatives before returning to Jamaica.
Lisa, a beautician whose business and clients are based in Jamaica, said she was equally surprised. She said she has been reviewing her previous trips in an attempt to determine what could have caused the decision and denied working illegally in the United States.
Both Jamaicans also expressed concern about the stigma associated with losing a U.S. visa, particularly when the reason for the revocation is unknown.
CAN A VALID U.S. VISA BE REVOKED?
Yes. A U.S. visa can be revoked even if the expiration date printed on it is still years away.
According to information cited by The Star from the U.S. Department of State, authorized officials may revoke a visa when questions arise about a person’s eligibility. A revocation notice also may not provide the specific reason behind the decision.
U.S. authorities list several possible grounds for visa ineligibility, including certain criminal or drug-related activity, fraud or material misrepresentation, and previous unlawful presence in the United States.
However, there is no indication that any of those grounds applies to Roy or Lisa, and the specific reasons their visas were revoked have not been made public.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The State Department has indicated that questions surrounding a person’s eligibility may be addressed through a new visa application and interview.
For now, both Roy and Lisa say they are uncertain whether they will apply again.
