Thousands of Indians in US Fear "Self-Deportation" Amid Visa Uncertainty

New Delhi: Thousands of Indians in the United States who migrated as minors under H-4 visas now face an uncertain future as they approach the age of 21. Under current U.S. immigration laws, they will no longer qualify as dependents of their H-1B visa-holder parents, forcing them to seek alternative visa options or face possible deportation.

Until recently, individuals aging out of dependent visa status had a two-year transition period to secure another visa, but recent policy shifts have left many without clear options. The crisis is further compounded by the massive backlog in the employment-based green card system, which disproportionately affects Indian immigrants.

Massive Green Card Backlog, Long Wait Times

According to a Times of India report, as of March 2023, nearly 1.34 lakh Indian children were expected to age out before their families could secure green cards. The U.S. immigration backlog means that many will face wait times ranging from 12 to 100 years for permanent residency.

With limited options in the U.S., many affected individuals are exploring immigration pathways to Canada and the UK, which offer more flexible visa policies.

H-1B Visa Registration Opens, New Selection Rules Introduced

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the H-1B visa registration period for the fiscal year 2026, running from March 7 to March 24.

• The annual H-1B cap remains 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 available for applicants with U.S. master’s degrees.
• USCIS has introduced a beneficiary-centric selection process to reduce fraud and ensure a fairer selection system.
• The new registration fee has been increased to $215.

However, these updates do not address the challenges faced by dependents aging out of the system, leaving thousands at risk of self-deportation.

Texas Court Ruling and DACA Block Complicate Matters

A recent Texas court ruling blocking new work permits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has worsened the situation for many young immigrants.

DACA provides temporary, renewable two-year protection from deportation for undocumented youth, including those who lose dependent status at 21. The ruling means that many Indian-origin youth who had hoped for protection under DACA now face an uncertain future.

Bernie Sanders Criticizes H-1B Program, Calls for Reform

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a leading progressive voice, has criticized the H-1B visa program, arguing that it primarily benefits corporations rather than skilled immigrants.

“The main function of the H-1B program is not to hire ‘the best and the brightest’ but to replace good-paying American jobs with hundreds of thousands of lower-paid guest workers who are often treated as indentured servants,” Sanders said.

He has proposed an amendment to the Laken Riley Act that would:

• Double H-1B visa fees to generate $370 million annually, funding nearly 20,000 STEM scholarships for U.S. students.
• Increase wages for H-1B workers to at least the local median wage, preventing companies from hiring foreign workers at lower salaries.

Sanders also criticized billionaires like Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy for their support of the H-1B system.

“Elon Musk and other multi-billionaires claim the H-1B program is vital due to a shortage of highly skilled workers. In my view, they are dead wrong,” he stated.

U.S. Job Market Impact

Citing Economic Policy Institute data, Sanders highlighted that between 2022 and 2023, the top 30 H-1B employers:

• Laid off 85,000 American workers
• Hired 34,000 new guest workers under H-1B visas

Uncertain Future for Thousands of Indian Families

As immigration policies remain in flux, thousands of Indian families in the U.S. are left struggling with uncertainty. With limited legal pathways available, many young immigrants are now forced to choose between:

1. Self-deportation to India, a country many barely know.
2. Seeking refuge in Canada, the UK, or other nations with better visa policies.
3. Navigating complex legal battles for extensions or employer-sponsored visas.

With increasing political debate surrounding U.S. immigration policies, no immediate relief appears to be in sight for these families.