Key Highlights
A large group of Indian youth who depend on their parents' visas to live in the United States face an uncertain situation because they may need to abandon the country where they were raised. The United States faces an immigration dilemma because young adults lose dependent status when they turn 21, but most of them have already grown up in America while experiencing numerous obstacles to green cards. This piece explores the emotions of anxious young Indians, the elements that cause their situation, and the restricted solutions available to them.
The Looming Threat of "Self-Deportation"
More than 100,000 young Indian people residing in the United States live with the ongoing danger of forced deportation. They have lived in the United States most of their lives, but their future will lead them to return to India despite potential unfamiliarity with this country. March 2023 figures show that 134,000 Indian children face deportation once they reach adulthood since their family has not received a green card. Children in this position must live as outsiders surrounded by two totally different life experiences.
DACA Challenges and Uncertainties
Undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children find temporary protection and employment opportunities through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The suspension of work permits for new DACA applicants has emerged from a Texas-based court decision, making the situation even more chaotic. The future of many Indian youth becomes uncertain because DACA protection has been pulled back during a time when they must deal with their parents' green card application process that could take as long as 100 years or as little as 12 years.
Also Read: U.S. Launches Jobs and Internships Platform for Indians
The Financial Burden of International Student Status
International student classification poses a substantial financial challenge as one of the primary concerns for young adults. A 20-year-old nursing student based in California using a dependent visa faces substantial barriers to transition to F-1 student status for continued education studies. International students face massive financial challenges because they cannot access state tuition fees along with federal financial aid or scholarships while dealing with the high U.S. living expenses. She expressed sadness about pursuing her studies in another nation because this is the only country that has been her home since birth, where her education occurs alongside her friends who reside with her future lies ahead.
A Texas-based student nearly twenty years in age has disclosed her inability to pay for out-of-state tuition while simultaneously fighting to obtain off-campus employment income for personal needs. She viewed herself as unfairly blamed for a situation that was out of her control because she had to pay tuition, which amounted to $45,000 (Rs 39.2 lakh), while her American classmates paid only $10,000 (Rs 8.7 lakh).
Exploring Alternative Options
Some Indian youth view Canada and UK immigration policies as more favorable so they are exploring migration options from India. When talking about possible relocation to another country, it seems more manageable to a Memphian undergraduate student who will reach his 21st birthday soon. The student expressed doubts about his job prospects and future development in America because his parents intended to escape to India after retirement. His departure from India during childhood led to emotional detachment from the country, so he now views it as an unfamiliar foreign territory.
The Green Card Backlog Crisis
Young Indians face a difficult situation because too many people wait for green cards under the U.S. employment-based immigration process that primarily affects Indian immigrants. One Texas-based young student who faces a 23-year waiting period repeatedly asked during his interview what he should do after becoming an adult. Before the policy changes, he remembered that DACA allowed qualified individuals to acquire two-year extensions, which enabled them to pursue their studies while getting employment opportunities that provided social security numbers. Recent modifications in policy have introduced confusion and uncertainty.
Navigating the Complexities: Options for Indian Youth
For Indian youth facing the expiration of their dependent visas, several options exist, each with its own set of challenges and considerations:
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F-1 Student Visa: Converting to an F-1 student visa allows individuals to continue their education in the U.S. However, this option comes with the burden of international student fees and limited access to financial aid.
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H-1B Visa: If eligible, young adults can pursue an H-1B visa, which allows them to work in the U.S. in a specialised occupation. However, the H-1B visa process is competitive and subject to annual quotas.
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Marriage-Based Green Card: If an individual marries a U.S. citizen or green card holder, they may be eligible for a marriage-based green card.
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Investment-Based Green Card (EB-5): Investing a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business can lead to a green card through the EB-5 program. However, this option requires substantial financial resources.
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Seeking Asylum: In certain circumstances, individuals may be eligible to seek asylum in the U.S. if they fear persecution in their home country.
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Moving to Another Country: As mentioned earlier, some young adults are considering moving to countries with more favourable immigration policies, such as Canada or the UK.
Read More: Know the B1 B2 Visa Rejection Reasons
The Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Indian youth immigrants' difficulties demonstrate that the United States requires immediate changes to its immigration laws. The solution requires action on green card backlog management while establishing legal routes for long-term residents together with flexible immigration visa systems to achieve fair immigration policies.
The suffering process of these Indian youths demonstrates how old immigration regulations produce direct damage to people. The tragic life experiences of these people prove that immigration policies must protect the welfare of families and individuals; therefore, lawmakers should establish an ethical immigration framework.
Conclusion
The situation of more than 100,000 Indian youth in the U.S. struggling with forced deportations arises from the combination of lengthy green card waiting lists and defensive immigration laws. These individuals who mainly spent their childhood years in the United States find themselves unsure about their future while trapped in an unpredictable position. This substantial need exists for complete immigration reform because it will give our immigrant community, becoming established in America, their deserved opportunities. Systemic issues prompting these uncertainties must be resolved by government officials who also need to examine immigration law's effects on people and develop better policies that respect human rights.
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