Recent events within the United States have raised serious concerns in Indian citizens, such as H1B visas holders, students from abroad, and green card holders. Immigration lawyers now advise travelers to stay out of the US unless required.
Key Concerns for Indian Nationals in the US
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The delays in immigration and the stricter security screening at airports.
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The risk of detention is even greater for those with valid visas.
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Deportations are increasing for both Green Card and Visa holders.
Deported Despite Court Protection
A notable case that raised questions involved Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an expert in kidney transplant surgery and professor at Brown University Medical School. Despite having an h1b visas that was valid and receiving a temporary restraining order from the court, Dr. Alawieh was
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In custody for 36 hours at Boston Logan International Airport.
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Reported to Paris without the mandatory 48-hour notice that is required by a court order.
The lack of legal protections has led to considerable anxiety in the immigrant community, particularly for professionals who are on work visas.
F-1 Visa Revocation and Automatic Deportation
Another alarming incident was the case of Ranjani Srinivasan, the Indian doctoral student at Columbia University.
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Her F-1 visa was cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security because of allegations that she was a supporter of Hamas.
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Six days after the revocation of her visa on March 5, she was deported from the US by the brand Home App, which was recently launched by US Customs and Border Protection.
These incidents point to an increasing trend in which people with valid visas face unanticipated legal issues.
The following OFLC programs will be impacted by this implementation:
- Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD)
- Permanent Labor Certification Applications (PERM)
- Temporary Labor Certification Applications (H-2A, H-2B, CW-1 visas)
- Temporary Labor Condition Applications (H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visas)
Implementation of the approved Record Control Schedule will begin on and after Thursday, March 20, 2025. Deletions of eligible case records will be based on the final determination date recorded in the FLAG System of each case. For example, cases with a final determination date of March 21, 2020, will be deleted on March 21, 2025.
Important Changes in Visa Policies
The US Department of State has recently changed the rules of eligibility for interview waivers and “dropbox” appointments. This has led to:
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Longer wait times to renew your visa.
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The increased scrutiny of US entry points.
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Increased risk for travelers who might be subject to detention or deportation.
Key Recommendations for Indian Nationals
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Avoid international travel unless it is absolutely essential.
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Make sure all documentation is up-to-date prior to traveling.
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Consult with immigration lawyers for advice on recent changes in the law.
Key Risks for Visa Holders
| Visa Type | Risk Level | Recent Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| H1B Visas | High | Dr. Rasha Alawieh was deported despite a valid visa. |
| F-1 Visa | High | Ranjani Srinivasan is deported due to allegations of connections to Hamas. |
| Green Card | Moderate | There are reports of delays and security checks. |
What Should Travelers Do Now?
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Consult an attorney: Before planning any travel, you should seek out legal advice.
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Update Documentation Check that your visa I-94, your visa, and any other documents are valid and accurate.
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Monitor Policy Changes Keep up-to-date with the most recent US immigration laws.
For more information regarding US visa issues, keep an eye on Buzz24 Times.
FAQs H1B Visas, and F-1 Visa Holders
Recent incidents suggest that those who hold H1B visas are currently at risk despite having valid visas. Legal experts suggest limiting travel to avoid problems.
F-1 visa holders must maintain a clean record in the legal system and avoid affiliations that are controversial and make sure that they comply with the university’s guidelines.
There is no need to worry; India is not currently on the list of travel bans. But, Indian nationals are facing more rigorous checks and delays when renewing their visas.
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