Indians nearing 21 living in fear of 'self-deportation' in US
What's the story
Over one lakh children of Indian H-1B visa holders in the United States are reportedly at the risk of self-deportation.
They migrated to America with their non-residential Indian (NRI) parents on dependent visas, which would expire as soon as they turn 21.
Earlier, American immigration policies allowed a two-year window for such kids to opt for a new visa status after "aging out." However, recent changes under the Trump administration and court cases have created uncertainty about this provision.
Immigration challenges
Green card backlog and DACA ruling increase uncertainty
As of March 2023, nearly 1.34 lakh Indian children were expected to age out of dependent visa status before their families got green cards.
The backlog in the US employment-based green card system disproportionately impacts Indian immigrants, with waiting periods spanning 12-100 years.
The matter is further complicated by a federal appeals court declaring the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unlawful.
The program had earlier provided temporary two-year protection from deportation for undocumented youth.
Visa woes
Financial challenges and political criticism of H-1B program
The ruling against DACA has only added to the confusion and fear of Indian youth on the green card waiting list.
Many are contemplating moving to countries like Canada or UK, which have more inclusive immigration policies.
Converting their visas to F-1 (student) visas would make them international students, rendering them ineligible for in-state tuition fees and federal financial aid.
US Senator Bernie Sanders has also criticized the H-1B program, arguing it benefits corporations by bringing in lower-paid foreign workers instead of hiring Americans.
Visa cap
USCIS announces H-1B visa registration for fiscal year 2026
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2026 in February.
The initial registration period for H-1B visas for the 2026 fiscal year will open on March 7 and close on March 24.
The cap is set at 65,000 visas per year with an additional 20,000 for applicants with US master's degrees.
The new registration fee is $215.