Authorities in the United States have given warning that travellers who knowingly break its visa rules will continue to be handcuffed and deported, despite the promise of a softer approach towards people who commit a minor offence.

Earlier this week, Robert Bonner, US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, announced that immigration officials can now exercise discretion and allow into the country people who have overstayed on a previous visit, provided they do not present a security risk.

However, the policy is intended to end the rough treatment of travellers who have made an "honest mistake" and overstayed for a short period. These people, thought to number only a handful a year, will be allowed entry under the visa waiver programme but told they must obtain a visa for any future visit.

Anyone immigration officials consider has knowingly committed a serious breach of the waiver programme - by staying far beyond the permitted 90 days or working without permission, for example - will still be liable to handcuffing and deportation. A spokesman for the US embassy in London said that anyone in this position must apply for a visa and admit the offence before travelling.

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