Heightened Scrutiny at U.S. Ports Causes Concern for Visa Holders
Non-immigrant visa holders and green card holders are facing increased questioning and scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry, leading many to reconsider international travel plans. Immigration experts report a significant rise in inspections and delays for those attempting to re-enter the United States.
Sukanya Raman, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC, noted, “There has been a significant increase in questioning of valid non-immigrant visa holders, including H-1B and F-1 visa holders, as well as green card holders at US ports of entry.” This heightened scrutiny has created anxiety among visa holders, particularly those from India, who fear potential difficulties in re-entering the country.
The impact on H-1B and F-1 visa holders has been particularly pronounced. Kripa Upadhyay, a Seattle-based immigration attorney, advised, “Foreign nationals, especially those needing renewal of H-1B or F-1 visa stamps, really need to think twice about leaving the U.S. right now.” Changes to the interview waiver process have further complicated visa renewals, with applicants now limited to renewing the same category of visa within 12 months.
Green card holders are not exempt from this increased scrutiny. Some have reportedly faced secondary inspection and even overnight detention by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Rajiv S. Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com, suggested that green card holders who have not applied for U.S. citizenship should consider doing so to avoid travel complications.
In response to these challenges, Muslim Advocates issued an urgent travel advisory for foreign nationals potentially impacted by travel bans. The advisory recommends returning to the U.S. as soon as possible and traveling with necessary documentation, including a DHS Form G-28 signed by an attorney and an advocacy letter.
Legal experts emphasize the importance of thorough preparation for those who must travel internationally. They advise carrying all required documents and consulting with a qualified attorney before departing and upon re-entry to the United States.
The current situation is part of broader “Extreme Vetting” measures aimed at enhancing security and ensuring stricter compliance with U.S. immigration laws. However, these policies have created uncertainty and anxiety among visa holders, leading many to reconsider their travel plans.
As the regulatory environment becomes more stringent, experts anticipate a potential decrease in the number of visas issued compared to previous years. Visa holders and green card recipients are advised to stay informed about current travel advisories and consult with immigration attorneys before making any international travel decisions.
