US Immigration Reforms: What Indian Nationals Need To Know

The US immigration landscape is undergoing significant shifts, directly impacting Indian nationals seeking work opportunities, legal residency, and Green Cards. Stricter H-1B regulations, potential backlog relief for Green Card applicants, and increased enforcement against undocumented immigrants highlight the need for proactive legal consultation

The new administration in the United States has proposed many immigration reforms that could greatly impact Indian nationals, particularly those seeking employment-based visas, Green Cards, and legal residency methods. Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services is closely monitoring these changes to provide guidance for individuals and businesses in the evolving immigration process. Here are some of the latest policies that can impact Indians looking for US immigration:

Repatriation of undocumented Indian immigrants

The Indian government has agreed to repatriate at least 18,000 Indian citizens residing illegally in the US. This move comes as part of broader diplomatic efforts to maintain favourable US-India relations and secure continued access to visa programs like the H-1B. Indian nationals currently in undocumented status may face heightened enforcement measures, making legal consultation essential.

Proposed green card reforms

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US Congress to reduce the green card backlog, which disproportionately affects Indian applicants due to per-country limits. The proposed legislation seeks to:

♦ Phase out the 7 per cent per-country cap on employment-based green cards, potentially expediting processing for Indian professionals.

♦ Allow H-1B visa holders' children to continue residing and working in the US after turning 21, preventing ‘ageing out’ issues.

This development is for Indian families seeking permanent residency in the US, and we recommend immediate consultation to assess its potential impact on your immigration journey.

Stricter H-1B visa process

Changes to the H-1B visa program aim to enhance fairness but also introduce stricter requirements. New regulations include:

♦ Limiting each applicant to a single entry in the visa lottery ensures equal opportunity.

♦ Increased documentation requirements for third-party employment placements.

♦ Mandatory site visits to verify employment legitimacy.

These changes could impact Indian professionals and IT firms relying on H-1B sponsorships. Understanding these new requirements is necessary to ensure compliance and approval if you are an applicant or employer.

Healthcare access concerns for immigrants

In Florida, a new policy requires hospitals to inquire about patients' immigration status, raising concerns within the Indian immigrant community. This has led to increased anxiety about seeking medical care due to potential legal repercussions. Legal assistance is advised for those affected by these new regulations.

How Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services can help

With these sweeping changes, having legal guidance is more important than ever. Our firm specializes in employment-based immigration, family-based petitions, and asylum cases. We can assist with:

♦ Green card applications and backlog relief strategies.

♦ H-1B visa compliance and petition support.

♦ Legal representation for individuals facing deportation or healthcare access issues.

Act Now!

If you or your loved ones are affected by these new policies, do not wait for complications to arise. Contacting experts is the right approach.