Which of the following is a potential consequence of overstaying a visa in the U.S.?

Overstaying a visa in the U.S. can lead to serious consequences, with one of the most significant being inadmissibility for future immigration applications. When an individual overstays their visa, they may face a bar from re-entering the U.S. for a specified period, which can range from three years to ten years, depending on the length of the overstay. This means that any attempts to adjust status or apply for other immigration benefits, such as permanent residency, can be severely impacted.

The other options do not accurately reflect the repercussions of overstaying. For instance, overstaying does not increase eligibility for permanent residency; instead, it may actually diminish one's chances due to the inadmissibility that arises from the overstay. Likewise, there is no provision for an automatic extension of the visa period upon overstaying, and immediate citizenship application approval is never granted just based on the status of an expired visa. These points underline the importance of understanding the consequences associated with visa overstays in U.S. immigration policy.