Việt Nam issues advisory on immigration risks for nationals in the US

Vietnamese authorities have issued a cautionary notice for citizens studying and working in the United States, urging them to be vigilant about visa regulations, green card status, and entry-related procedures. This warning follows a series of deportation cases involving nationals from multiple countries.

Ambassador Hoàng Anh Tuấn, Consul General of Việt Nam’s Consulate General in San Francisco, shared the advisory on Facebook on Saturday. His message was directed at Vietnamese students, workers, residents, and individuals seeking to apply for US visas.

The advisory outlines several key precautions to help avoid complications with US immigration authorities.

Green card holders are reminded to ensure their residency documents remain valid, as an expired green card can result in re-entry denial. Even for those with a valid green card, unnecessary international travel is discouraged to minimize potential entry issues.

Social media activity is also highlighted as a potential risk. Individuals are advised to refrain from posting or sharing politically sensitive, discriminatory, or extremist content, including within private groups, as such material could be scrutinized.

Visa compliance is another major concern. Overstaying even by a single day could result in a five-year entry ban, and violating local laws—no matter how minor—may impact future visa renewals or re-entry into the US.

Authorities also caution against deleting sensitive information from electronic devices before entering the US, as border officers may interpret this as an attempt to hide evidence.

Another critical warning pertains to public demonstrations. Non-citizens are advised to avoid participating in protests or rallies, as such actions could be deemed an overreach of their visa privileges.

The Vietnamese Consulate General has recently recorded multiple cases of students, researchers, and residents—including green card holders—being denied entry, having their visas revoked, or facing deportation due to minor immigration infractions or perceived security concerns.

A notable case involved a French scientist who was barred from entering the US earlier this month while en route to a conference. Officials reviewed private messages on his phone that were critical of the Trump administration’s research policies, leading to his deportation. Although the case was later dropped, the expulsion severely impacted his career.

Similarly, an assistant professor and physician at Brown University was deported from Boston to Lebanon after border officials discovered photos of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on her phone. Despite her explanation that her connection was religious rather than political, authorities considered the images as evidence of Hezbollah support. Despite her strong credentials and professional backing, she was denied entry and sent back.

Vietnamese citizens planning to travel to the US are strongly advised to remain cautious and comply with all immigration regulations. In case of legal difficulties, individuals should contact Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the US for assistance and support.