Amid a wave of debatable executive orders and unexpected changes on many fronts since Donald Trump became the US President for the second time, the future of thousands of young Indians in the United States is in limbo now owing to the recent shifts in immigration policy.
As per the latest policy, those who migrated as minors under the H-4 visa will no longer be considered dependents of their H1-B visa-holder parents once they reach the age of 21. The massive shift in the regulation is feared to affect Indian immigrants disproportionately.
As per a report by NDTV, given the unforeseen development, many are exploring other possible options to survive the situation including shifting to countries like Canada or the UK, which have more flexible policies.
According to a Times of India report, data from March 2023 suggests that nearly 1.34 lakh Indian children are likely to age out of dependent visa status before their families secure green cards.
What Is The H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa has the status of a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to hire foreign workers in several specialised occupations that demand theoretical or technical expertise.
Every year, the US issues 65,000 H-1B visas with an additional 20,000 for applicants with US master's degrees.
In a bid to reduce fraud and ensure fair selection, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a beneficiary-centric selection process. The new registration fee is USD 215.
The USCIS recently announced the registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2026. The process opens on March 7 and runs through March 24.
Court Ruling On DACA Further Worsens Situation
What further worsened the situation is a recent ruling from a Texas court that blocked work permits for new applicants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The DACA program provides temporary, renewable two-year protection from deportation for undocumented youth, including those who lose dependent status after turning 21. Withdrawal of the program has now made the future of many Indian youth uncertain.
