The Indian community living in the United States is facing tough times due to a recent decision by former President Donald Trump. The Trump administration has temporarily stopped processing green card applications, which could cause major delays for thousands of Indians who are already in the waiting line. This new move is a part of two executive orders signed by Trump, which aim to tighten the security checks on foreign nationals entering or living in the US.
Why Did Trump Stop Green Card Processing?
The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that this ban is based on two executive orders from Trump. These orders focus on increasing the screening and investigation of all foreign nationals who want to live permanently in the US. As a result, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been asked to perform additional background checks on those applying for a green card.
The first order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security Threats,” requires strict checking of foreign nationals. This includes people already living in the US or those who wish to enter. It targets applicants from countries that are considered to have security risks.
The second executive order identifies certain international organizations as threats to national security, the American economy, and foreign policy. This means that applicants who may have connections to these organizations could face further delays or even rejection.
Indian Immigrants Facing Longer Delays
The new policy is especially tough for Indians who already face long waiting times for green cards. According to reports, more than 67,800 people applied for green cards between October 2023 and September 2024. Out of these, around 40,000 applications were from asylum seekers. Previously, it took about 10 months to process asylum green card applications and 8 months for refugee applications. Now, this new rule could increase the waiting time even further.
The new guidelines also require people who have already submitted their documents and gone through initial investigations to undergo another round of screening. This extra process is expected to create more delays for people hoping to get permanent residency in the US.
Tougher Screening for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
One of the major changes is that USCIS is now conducting a deeper investigation into the background of people applying for a green card under refugee or asylum status. Normally, those living in the US for more than a year can apply for a green card, but now their applications will be held up until additional security checks are completed.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said that temporary restrictions are being put in place to ensure every application is thoroughly checked before approval. This means even applicants who meet all the conditions could face unpredictable delays.
Small Mistakes Can Lead to Rejection
One of the most concerning issues for applicants is that even small mistakes can now lead to rejection. The Trump administration has given immigration officers more power to reject applications for minor errors. This has increased the chances of rejection, even for simple mistakes like missing a middle name.
Lara Collins, director of the SMU Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute, explained that during Trump’s previous term, USCIS became much stricter. She mentioned that many applications were returned for small mistakes, such as not including a middle name. This pattern is expected to continue under the current policy.
Additionally, the government may recheck social media and other public records of applicants, even if they have already passed earlier investigations. This could cause further trouble for Indian applicants who have been waiting for years to receive their green cards.
How Will This Affect Indian Companies?
The impact of Trump’s new policies is not limited to individuals. It also affects Indian businesses and professionals working in the US. The administration has also announced a 25% tariff on vehicles imported to America, which could impact Indian car companies and other businesses that export to the US.
Many Indian professionals working on H-1B visas aim to transition to green cards for long-term residency. These new delays mean they may have to wait even longer to secure their future in the United States. This uncertainty can also affect their career growth and personal lives.
Increased Pressure on Indian Families
Indian families living in the US are already struggling with long waiting times for green cards. This new policy adds more pressure and uncertainty. For many families, having a green card means better job opportunities, stability, and a future in the US. Now, they face an unclear future with more obstacles in their path.
People who have lived in the US for years and followed all legal procedures are worried that the new rules will make it harder for them to get permanent resident status. The additional background checks and potential re-investigations have caused widespread concern among the Indian community.
Legal Challenges and Advocacy Efforts
Several legal experts and immigrant advocacy groups are preparing to challenge Trump’s policies in court. They argue that these rules unfairly target specific communities and create unnecessary hardships for people who have followed the law.
Organizations supporting immigrant rights are also pushing for policy changes to reduce delays and make the green card process fairer. Advocacy groups say that the US benefits from skilled workers and diversity, and these strict measures harm both immigrants and the American economy.
What Can Applicants Do Now?
For those waiting for a green card, it is essential to stay updated on the latest immigration policies. Legal experts advise applicants to double-check their paperwork and ensure that all forms are complete and accurate to avoid rejection over minor mistakes.
Applicants should also keep track of communication from USCIS and respond quickly to any additional information requests. Seeking legal advice from experienced immigration attorneys can help navigate these new challenges and improve the chances of a successful application.
The situation remains uncertain, and many hope that future policy changes will ease the burden on Indian immigrants and others affected by these strict rules. Until then, the Indian community in the US faces a long and challenging wait for permanent residency.
