Washington, D.C.: Over 1.34 lakh dependent Indian immigrants in the United States are facing the risk of self-deportation due to changes in immigration policies. Known as “documented dreamers,” these individuals entered the US as children with their non-resident Indian (NRI) parents on H-4 dependent visas. However, once they turn 21, their visas expire, leaving them in legal limbo.
With a growing backlog in the US Green Card process and recent court rulings affecting immigration programs, many of these young adults are uncertain about their future in the only country they have ever called home.
DACA Ruling Intensifies Uncertainty
A recent ruling by a US federal appeals court in Texas has declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unlawful, further complicating the situation.
DACA, introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012, provided temporary, renewable two-year protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children, including those on dependent visas. However, the Texas court ruling now deems the program illegal, leaving thousands of young immigrants, including many Indians, without protection.
The DREAM Act, which was proposed to offer permanent residency to these individuals, has repeatedly failed to pass in Congress, forcing many to rely on DACA as their only option. With its repeal, thousands of young Indian immigrants now face an uncertain future.
Limited Options for Dependent Visa Holders
With no clear pathway to permanent residency, many dependent visa holders are now scrambling to find alternatives. Some consider switching to an F-1 student visa, but this transition comes with major challenges:
- Loss of in-state tuition benefits
- No access to federal financial aid or scholarships
- Increased financial burden on families
A 20-year-old nursing student from California, whose H-4 visa expires in August, shared her concerns with The Times of India:
“I have lived here since I was six. My education, friends, and future are here. But now, I am being told that I might have to leave the only country I have ever known.”
Given these restrictions, many are now considering relocating to countries like Canada or the UK, where immigration policies are seen as more inclusive.
A Memphis-based undergraduate student, who turns 21 in April, stated:
“Even if I stay and study here, I don’t know if I will get a job and secure my future. My parents are planning to return to India after retirement, so I have nothing to stay back for.”
The Green Card Backlog Crisis
The employment-based Green Card backlog in the US is a significant issue contributing to this crisis.
According to a report by the Economic Times, around 10.7 lakh Indians are currently stuck in the EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card queue, with an estimated processing time of 134 years.
For dependent children waiting in line for permanent residency, the absence of DACA protection has only heightened fears of forced self-deportation.
Muhil Ravichandran, 24, who arrived in the US at the age of two, shared her heartbreak:
“This means having to leave my family because they have already received their Green Cards. It is heartbreaking that I have to spend every day in fear that I may have to leave my home simply because I aged out.”
Another student from Texas, facing similar concerns, explained:
“Our waiting period is 23 years, and I am turning 21 this October. What am I supposed to do after that? Earlier, people would get a two-year extension under DACA, allowing them to study, work, and get Social Security numbers. But after the new government came to power and banned birthright citizenship, everything is confusing.”
What Lies Ahead?
With tightened immigration policies and no legislative solution in sight, dependent Indian immigrants in the US remain trapped in uncertainty.
While some seek alternative visa options, others are forced to leave for countries with more inclusive immigration policies.
For many, the dream of an American future is slipping away, as they now face the painful choice of either self-deportation or an uphill battle to stay legally in the country they have always called home.
No Comments