Travel risks grow among Indian green card, H-1B, and F-1 visa holders as US tightens immigration rules

Legal experts say the US immigration crackdown, which began under the Trump administration, has now intensified. Key government agencies—including the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—have stepped up monitoring of people leaving and re-entering the country.

More scrutiny at US borders

Millions of Indians living and working in the US hold Green Cards or visas such as H-1B (for skilled professionals) and F-1 (for students). While their residency or work status remains valid, travellers should expect longer questioning and additional document checks at US airports.

The stricter rules follow Donald Trump’s recent announcement to limit entry for people from 43 countries. Although India is not on this list, its neighbours Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan are affected.

Lawyers warn that these changes have already led to significant visa backlogs and an increase in detentions at US entry points. Many embassies and consulates are also struggling to handle the extra workload, leading to long delays in visa processing.

Travel checklist for Indian visa holders

Legal experts have advised Indian visa holders to carry all necessary documents when travelling abroad, including:

•  Valid passport (from home country)
• Green Card (Form I-551) – Must be valid and unexpired
•  H-1B or F-1 visa – Valid for multiple entries
•  US Re-Entry Permit – For those staying outside the US for over a year but less than two years
•  Employment verification letter
•  W-2 form and federal tax payment proof (for the previous year)
•  Payslips or salary proof (for the past three months)
•  University letter (confirming duration of study)
•  US bank account documents (at least one active account)
•  Valid US driving licence

Be prepared for extra screening

Travellers returning to the US after a long stay abroad should expect:

• Detailed questioning by Customs and Border officials
• Secondary inspections that may take over two hours
• Extra scrutiny for those who have been outside the US for more than six months

Tougher checks for individuals who recently changed visa categories, such as switching from F-1 to H-1B Lawyers also stress the importance of renewing visas and Green Cards well before their expiry dates to avoid complications. If a Green Card is revoked, individuals can file an appeal with the USCIS or an immigration court.

With increasing delays and stricter border controls, legal experts advise visa holders to remain patient, cooperative, and well-prepared when travelling.

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