Visa Holders Fear Travel Amid Trump Policies
Concerns are mounting among Indian visa holders and green card holders in the United States as the Trump administration’s immigration policies create uncertainty. Many are canceling international trips due to fears of re-entry difficulties. Immigration experts are advising the Indian community to remain in the U.S. to avoid potential complications.
Increased Scrutiny at Ports of Entry
Since the Trump administration took office, there has been a notable rise in the questioning of valid non-immigrant visa holders, including H-1B and F-1 visa holders, as well as green card holders at U.S. ports of entry. Sukanya Raman, country head at Davies & Associates, LLC, an immigration-focused law firm, highlighted this trend, stating that many individuals are now hesitant to travel abroad.
Indian H-1B visa holders, in particular, are avoiding overseas travel for professional conferences, family events, and urgent matters. This reluctance stems from heightened scrutiny at entry points, extended visa processing times, and the risk of being denied re-entry. Gautam Khurana, managing partner at India Law Offices LLP, noted that many Indian H-1B holders are refraining from travel due to fears of a potential ban on re-entry, reflecting a broader sense of insecurity.
Anxiety Among Green Card Holders
Even green card holders, who typically enjoy more secure immigration status, are expressing anxiety about traveling outside the U.S. Immigration law specialists report that this group is also canceling trips, worried about the possibility of complications upon their return.
Individuals awaiting green cards are particularly concerned. Neha, who is in the process of obtaining her green card, chose not to visit India despite having a sick relative. She explained that the decision was difficult but necessary due to the apprehensions surrounding travel and re-entry.
Companies Hesitant to Sponsor Visas
The current climate has led companies to hesitate in registering candidates and sponsoring visas for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 H-1B lottery. Many employers cite increased documentation requirements and potential policy shifts as reasons for their reluctance.
An immigration specialist pointed out that elderly Indian green card holders, especially those who obtained their status through family sponsorship, are facing increased questioning from U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. This scrutiny adds to the anxiety surrounding travel and immigration for many in the Indian community.
Impact on International Students
The uncertainty surrounding visa regulations is also affecting Indian students and families considering education in the U.S. Study abroad consultants report that many are reassessing their educational investments due to the tightening of the H-1B visa process. Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify, noted that the increased scrutiny and paperwork requirements are discouraging prospective students.
The U.S. remains a popular destination for Indian students, particularly in STEM programs on F-1 visas, with many seeking H-1B visas for employment after graduation. However, the annual cap for H-1B visas, which includes 65,000 for bachelor’s degree holders and an additional 20,000 for those with master’s degrees from U.S. institutions, was reached for fiscal year 2025 by December 2024. This trend raises concerns about the future of visa sponsorships and employment opportunities for Indian graduates in the U.S.
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