A Vietnamese student poses at Phước Lộc Thọ Asian Garden Mall in Southern California. Vietnamese authorities warn those in the US to be cautious about visas and entry. — VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp

HCM CITY — Vietnamese authorities have issued an advisory for individuals studying and working in the United States to exercise vigilance regarding visas, green cards, and entry-related matters. The warning follows recent deportation incidents involving nationals from various countries.

Ambassador Hoàng Anh Tuấn, currently serving as Consul General of Việt Nam’s Consulate General in San Francisco, California, posted the warning on Facebook on Saturday. He addressed Vietnamese students, workers, residents, and those planning to apply for entry visas.

The advisory urges individuals to adhere to specific recommendations to avoid potential visa or entry complications.

Green Card Awareness: Ensure your green card remains valid, as expiration can result in denial of re-entry to the US. If your green card is valid, avoid unnecessary travel outside the US to prevent complications.

Sensitive Content: Avoid sharing or posting politically sensitive, discriminatory, or extremist content on social media. Refrain from discussing these topics in private groups, as such activity may be subject to scrutiny.

Visa Compliance: Do not overstay your visa, even by a single day, as this may lead to a five-year entry ban. Adhere to all local laws, as any violations could impact future visa renewals or your ability to re-enter the US.

Data Management: Avoid deleting sensitive information from devices before entering the US, as this could raise suspicion of attempting to conceal evidence.

Participation in Protests: Refrain from participating in protests or rallies unless you are a US citizen, as this may be perceived as exceeding visa rights.

The Consulate General has recently observed several cases involving students, researchers, and residents—including green card holders—being denied entry, having their visas revoked, or facing deportation due to minor immigration violations or concerns related to national security.

A notable case involved a French scientist who was denied entry to the US earlier this month while traveling to attend a conference. Authorities discovered private messages on his electronic devices that were critical of the Trump administration’s research policies.

Although the investigation was eventually dropped, the scientist had already been deported, causing significant damage to his career.

An assistant professor and physician from Brown University was deported from Boston to Lebanon after federal agents found photos of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on her cell phone.

Customs and Border Protection interpreted the images as evidence of support for Hezbollah, despite her assertion that her connection was religious rather than political.

Despite a strong professional record and backing from the local medical community, she was denied entry and deported.

Individuals planning to enter the US are advised to exercise caution and act responsibly at all times. In the event of any legal issues, it is crucial to promptly reach out to Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the US for support and assistance. — VNS