Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Overstaying Visa

An illegal immigrant, who overstayed his U.S. visa for a decade following a visit to Disney World, has been taken into custody this week, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Alejandro Saul Rico, who hails from Argentina, was arrested on June 19 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Along with the visa overstay, DHS noted that Rico has a history of criminal activity that includes a conviction for assault and an arrest for a third-degree sex crime in Maryland.

Background on Arrest

Rico entered the United States in 2006 through Miami on a tourist visa intended for visiting Disney World. He had obtained a B1 visa that year, but he remained in the country past the expiration of his authorized stay in 2016.

“This individual overstayed his visa after visiting Disney World, has a conviction for assault, and a record of arrests related to sex crimes,” expressed DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss. “Sadly, too many individuals overstay their visas and think they can evade the repercussions of breaking immigration law.”

DHS and the Visa Program

Biss mentioned that President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin are working to restore integrity to the U.S. visa program, ensuring it is not used as an easy avenue for criminals to come into the country and violate its laws.

As a side note, B1 visas are primarily issued to foreign visitors for business activities, unlike B2 visas which are designated for tourism.

The Trump administration has already implemented major changes to the visa program, focusing on promoting self-sufficiency and increasing the scrutiny of those applying for visas.