An Argentine citizen who overstayed his U.S. visa by ten years after entering the country to visit Disney World was arrested on June 19 in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported. Alejandro Saul Rico, who entered the U.S. on a B1 tourist visa in 2006, remained in the country after his authorized stay expired in 2016.
Authorities stated that Rico’s criminal history includes a conviction for assault and a prior arrest for a third-degree sex offense in Maryland. DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis noted that many individuals who overstay their visas believe they can avoid consequences by remaining in the country undetected.
Bis added that current administration efforts aim to restore integrity to U.S. visa programs, preventing them from being exploited by individuals with criminal intent. The B1 visa is generally used for business purposes, distinct from the B2 visa used for tourism, according to the State Department.