Washington, D.C.
Indian nationals living in the United States on Green Cards, H-1B work visas, or F-1 student visas have been advised to exercise increased caution when making international travel plans. Over the past few weeks, the U.S. immigration landscape has shifted considerably, with heightened scrutiny at ports of entry sparking concern among legal immigrants, particularly those of Indian origin.
Adding fuel to the anxiety, U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently commented, “A Green Card does not give an individual an indefinite right to stay in the United States.” The statement, while technically accurate, has left many immigrants feeling uncertain about their status.
This growing unease follows a series of intensified immigration enforcement measures spearheaded by the Trump administration. Both illegal and legal immigrants are being subjected to stricter checks, especially when entering or reentering the country. Agencies including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are now taking a more aggressive stance at borders and airports.
Though Indians are not part of the 43-nation travel restriction list—unlike neighboring countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan—immigration lawyers are still warning Indian travelers to tread carefully. Legal residents and visa holders are not being barred from returning, but they may experience significant delays and invasive questioning.
Many are reporting longer processing times, increased documentation scrutiny, and a rising number of secondary inspections at entry points. U.S. embassies and consulates globally are also feeling the pressure, with backlogs piling up due to new procedural bottlenecks.
Applicants are finding that documents are being held up with no clear explanation, and approvals are taking longer than usual. This has led to frustration and confusion among immigrants who have otherwise followed all legal procedures.
Travel Checklist for Visa and Green Card Holders
Immigration attorneys strongly recommend carrying the following documents when traveling :
1. A valid passport from your home country
2. A valid, unexpired Green Card (Form I-551)
3. A valid H-1B or F-1 visa (with multiple-entry permission)
4. Re-entry permit if you’ve been out of the U.S. for over a year
5. Employment verification letter from your current employer
6. W-2 form and proof of tax filing for the previous year
7. Latest three months of salary slips or income statements
8. Letter from your college or university (for F-1 visa holders)
9. Proof of active U.S. bank account(s)
10. Valid U.S. driver’s license
Additional Tips Before You Travel
1. Prepare for longer Q&A sessions at immigration checkpoints—especially if you’ve been abroad for an extended period.
2. Stay calm and cooperative during secondary inspections, which may take over two hours.
3. Avoid spending more than six months outside the U.S. in a single stretch.
4. Renew your Green Card or visa well ahead of expiration.
5. If your Green Card is revoked, you can appeal through USCIS or immigration court.
6. Those who’ve transitioned from F-1 to H-1B status should be ready for more detailed questions.
7. Individuals whose H-1B visas expired over a year ago and are awaiting renewal may face stricter scrutiny.
Though Indian immigrants have long been recognized for their law-abiding nature and professional contributions, the current climate demands greater vigilance. Legal experts urge individuals to plan well, ensure all documents are up to date, and be mentally prepared for the challenges of returning to the U.S.
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