Indian Green Card holders and visa applicants are facing increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry and consulates, leading to concerns about travel delays and potential risks of losing legal residency. Reports indicate that some Green Card holders are undergoing extended secondary inspections by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), lasting over two hours. In several cases, elderly travelers have allegedly been pressured mid-flight or at airports to sign Form I-407, a document that voluntarily surrenders U.S. permanent residency.
At the same time, visa processing at U.S. consulates has slowed significantly. H-1B and F-1 visa renewals are now taking between four to six months, with many applicants caught in administrative processing despite prior approvals. Administrative processing can leave applicants in uncertainty for indefinite periods, delaying their return to the U.S.
Recent policy changes have altered visa application procedures, increasing challenges for certain applicants. The newly implemented “beneficiary-centric” H-1B lottery system led to a 38.6% decline in registrations for the fiscal year 2025, reducing selection opportunities for first-time applicants. Moreover, the widely utilized Dropbox waiver—once accessible for numerous visa renewals—now applies only to those renewing the same visa type within a 12-month period.
Adding to concerns, U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently stated that “a Green Card does not give indefinite residency rights,” fueling uncertainty among lawful permanent residents.
Visa enforcement has also intensified under Operation Aurora, a program under which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is revoking visas of individuals linked to groups classified as “pro-terrorist.” This has particularly affected pro-Palestinian activists. Meanwhile, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that immigration case records will be purged after March 20, 2025. Applicants and employers must download these records to avoid complications in future extensions.
Who is most at risk?Also read: U.S. F-1 Visa update: Why are international students in the U.S. asked to self-deport?
Certain groups of visa and Green Card holders face a higher risk of complications when traveling:
H-1B workers: Visa renewals after one year of expiry now require interviews, and layoffs can result in a loss of legal status.F-1 students: They must return to the U.S. within five months of travel. Transitioning from F-1 to H-1B now requires interviews.Green Card holders: Long stays outside the U.S. can lead to additional scrutiny, and in some cases, revocation of residency.Elderly NRIs: Individuals who spend extended time in India may face increased pressure to give up their Green Card.Applicants in administrative processing: Many remain in limbo despite having previously cleared background checks.
Also read: Denied entry, deported, and more: How US entry policies are driving tourists awayEssential travel documents a US visa holder must carry while travelling
A passport with at least six months of validityOriginal I-797 approval noticeRecent employment verification letter and pay stubsTax returns, bank statements, and proof of ties to the U.S.Additional category-specific documents include a Labor Condition Application (LCA) and Form I-129 for H-1B visa holders, SEVIS Form I-20 with a recent travel signature for F-1 students, and a Re-entry Permit for Green Card holders who have been outside the U.S. for over a year.
With increasing travel restrictions and stricter enforcement, immigration experts advise non-citizens to avoid non-essential travel, file visa renewals well in advance, and keep both digital and physical copies of all important documents to prevent disruptions.
