H-1B Visa: A Dream for Foreign Workers
The H-1B visa is a well-known non-immigrant visa that provides foreign professionals, particularly Indian citizens, an opportunity to work in the United States. However, significant policy changes during former US President Donald Trump’s second term have created uncertainties for visa holders. These modifications have affected not only H-1B visa holders but also their children, who previously had a clear pathway to settling in the US.
This visa is primarily issued to skilled professionals in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and scientific research. It grants legal employment rights in the US for a limited period, and visa holders can bring their families along under dependent visa provisions.
Major Changes Introduced Under the Trump Administration
The Trump administration implemented strict reforms in the US visa and immigration system, significantly impacting H-1B visa holders. One of the key changes was the removal of protections for the children of these visa holders. Previously, children of H-1B visa holders were considered dependents, and those born in the US automatically received citizenship. However, the revised rules have revoked this provision, causing distress among thousands of Indian immigrant families.
Impact on 1.34 Lakh Indian Families
As per 2023 government data, nearly 1.34 lakh Indian children in the US were awaiting green card approvals. However, due to the latest policy shifts, their visa status now faces expiration before they reach adulthood. This leaves them in a precarious situation, as they could be forced to leave the country they grew up in. Additionally, their parents’ green card applications are stuck in an extensive backlog, with waiting periods ranging from 12 to 100 years, adding further distress to these families.
Texas Court Ruling and DACA Restrictions
A recent ruling by a Texas court blocked the issuance of work permits for new applicants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA previously granted two years of temporary protection to immigrant children who arrived in the US without proper documentation. Under the new ruling, once these children turn 21, they will lose their dependent visa status, leaving them vulnerable to deportation. This development is particularly alarming for young Indian immigrants who now face an uncertain future in the US.
