Indian nationals with H-1B visas, student visas, and green cards are encountering considerable difficulties when traveling to the United States. Immigration lawyers are noting an increase in visa hold-ups, stricter airport checks, and unexpected detentions, even affecting individuals with legitimate papers and long-term legal residency.
The recent modification made by the US Department of State to the ‘dropbox’ interview waiver eligibility has greatly affected Indian citizens. In the past, holders of non-immigrant renew their visas without an interview as long as the visa had expired within 48 months. Currently, only individuals with visas that lapsed in the past 12 months qualify, resulting in a significant backlog of Indian professionals and students vying for limited interview opportunities.
Challenges Faced by Visa Holders
- Students switching from F-1 to H-1Bs: Face significant delays and rejections due to the reduced eligibility period for interview waivers.
- Workers whose H-1B visas have been outside the country for over a year: Are no longer eligible for dropbox interview waivers and must wait for regular interview slots.
- Green card holders: Are being subjected to increased scrutiny, including secondary checks and overnight detention by Custom and Border Protection (CBP) agents.
Expert Advice
Immigration specialists are recommending that Indian citizens delay travel unless it is essential and establish remote work setups if needed. Green card holders are encouraged to seek US citizenship as soon as possible to prevent potential issues in the future.
The scenario is especially troubling for Indian students, as there are more than 3.5 lakh students on student visas in the US. F-1 visa holders applying for H-1B work visas face heightened vulnerability because of recent policy changes. Given these challenges, Indian citizens are encouraged to take precautions while traveling to the US and to consult professionals to manage the intricate visa situation.
