World
After assuming office for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies have triggered anxiety among thousands of Indian families residing in the United States. The Trump administration’s strict stance on immigration enforcement includes targeting individuals who remain in the country beyond their visa expiration dates. Among those affected are children of H-1B visa holders who entered the U.S. as minors but have now turned 21, losing their dependent status and facing the risk of deportation.
It is estimated that over 100,000 such Indian nationals currently reside in the U.S. with uncertain futures. Once they turn 21, they are no longer considered dependents and must obtain independent visa status. However, recent changes in immigration policies under Trump’s leadership have made it increasingly difficult for them to renew their visas or secure alternative options, leaving them in legal limbo.
Typically, individuals in this category have a two-year grace period to renew their visas. However, the Trump administration’s revisions to immigration laws have created significant uncertainty regarding their future. Additionally, H-1B visa holders seeking permanent residency (green cards) face lengthy wait times, ranging from 12 to 100 years, making the situation even more challenging for their families.
The situation worsened after a Texas court recently ruled against accepting new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA had previously provided work permits and protection against deportation for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors. With this protection no longer available, Indian-origin youth who do not have valid documentation may now be forced to leave the U.S. for either India or another country.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the registration period for new H-1B visa applications, running from March 7 to March 24.
Reports also indicate that the Trump administration has decided to discontinue the use of military aircraft for deporting illegal immigrants. Previously, deportations were carried out using C-17 and C-130 military aircraft, but due to the high costs involved, the administration has opted to halt this practice. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, the last military deportation flight took place on March 1.
The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on undocumented immigrants from countries including India, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Ecuador. Many deportees have reportedly been shackled with handcuffs and leg chains before being transported back to their home countries on military aircraft.
These developments have sparked widespread concern among Indian families in the U.S., as immigration policies continue to tighten, leaving many in fear of deportation.
Advertisment
