Washington, May 24: Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s new green card immigration policy. He described it as disruptive and harmful to families, workers, and the U.S. economy.
In a statement, Bera said, “I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s disruptive decision that requires many students, temporary visa holders, and others seeking green cards to return to their home countries until their applications are processed. This policy creates unnecessary fear and uncertainty for families, workers, and employers who are following the law.”
Bera’s comments came after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum stating that adjusting status within the United States should be considered “extraordinary relief” rather than a standard immigration process.
Under the new approach, immigration officials are instructed to consider applications on a “case-by-case basis.” Many applicants are expected to complete the consular process from their home countries.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler defended the policy, stating that the administration is “returning to the core purpose of the law.” Now, any foreign national temporarily residing in the U.S. and seeking a green card must return to their home country to apply, with exceptions only in extraordinary circumstances.
The administration argues that this change will reduce the number of individuals remaining in the U.S. after their visa periods expire and alleviate pressure on the immigration system.
Congressman Ami Bera warned, “The administration is ignoring the fact that many individuals seeking permanent residency are legally residing here and are already waiting for their cases to be processed in the backlog. This policy could particularly harm highly skilled immigrants working in the U.S. through legal visa programs.”
Bera stated, “America has long benefited from attracting top researchers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators through our legal immigration system and worker visa programs. Forcing these individuals to leave the U.S. during the green card process will deprive our country of their innovation, tax contributions, and the many ways they strengthen our economy and communities.”
As the son of Indian immigrants, Bera added, “I know personally that our nation is strengthened by those who come here legally, work hard, and contribute to our communities. We should be reducing delays in the process and modernizing our immigration system, not creating additional barriers for those following the rules.”
Bera further stated, “I support legally challenging this policy and hope the courts will halt its implementation.”
This issue is expected to resonate significantly among Indian nationals residing in the United States, particularly H-1B visa holders and international students. Indians represent the largest group of pending employment-based green card cases, many of whom rely on status adjustment provisions to remain in the country while their applications are processed.
Leave a Comment