The US Department of State recently reaffirmed its commitment to stringent immigration enforcement through an official post on its ‘X’ account, emphasizing that visa screening remains an ongoing process even after issuance. The department stressed that visa holders are continuously monitored to ensure adherence to US laws and immigration regulations. Those found in violation risk having their visas revoked and facing deportation.
This heightened scrutiny has disproportionately impacted Indian Green Card holders, particularly elderly individuals who frequently spend extended periods in India during the winter months. Reports suggest that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have been targeting such individuals at airports, pressuring them to sign Form I-407, a document that voluntarily relinquishes their permanent residency. Allegedly, those who refuse to comply have faced threats of detention or deportation.
Enforcement Under the Trump Administration
The crackdown follows a series of executive orders on immigration issued by President Donald Trump after returning to the White House. Vice President JD Vance has reinforced this strict approach, asserting in a Fox News interview that holding a Green Card does not grant an individual indefinite residency in the US. He stated that even if he personally had a favorable opinion of a Green Card holder, it would not change the fact that permanent residency is not an absolute guarantee.
A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants an individual the right to live and work in the US. However, the latest enforcement actions suggest that stricter conditions are being imposed on those failing to meet residency requirements. These changes have left many Indian Green Card holders uncertain about their future status in the country.
Increased Monitoring of Green Card Holders
The State Department has reiterated its tough stance on immigration compliance, warning that even those who already possess visas or Green Cards remain under continuous scrutiny. Officials have underscored that any violation of US laws or immigration policies could result in the revocation of residency and deportation.
This shift in enforcement has triggered widespread concern among Indian permanent residents, especially elderly individuals who frequently travel between India and the US. Reports indicate that CBP officers have intensified efforts to pressure returning Green Card holders to relinquish their status. Many travelers who resisted signing Form I-407 have allegedly faced coercive tactics, including threats of detention or forced removal, creating a climate of fear among Indian immigrants.
A Broader Immigration Crackdown
The intensified enforcement is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls. Within weeks of reassuming office, President Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at restricting immigration, extending policies from his first term. Vice President Vance has reiterated that permanent residents should not assume an indefinite right to remain in the US. His remarks have added to growing concerns that even lawful immigrants must now tread cautiously to maintain their status.
This escalation coincides with a broader trend of rising anti-immigration sentiment in Washington, where hardline conservatives are pushing for stricter policies. Proponents argue that tougher immigration laws are necessary for economic and national security reasons, while critics warn that such measures disproportionately target legal immigrants, including Indian professionals and their families.
Targeting Elderly Indian Green Card Holders
Although the new policies apply to all Green Card holders, elderly Indian immigrants appear to be disproportionately affected. Many in this demographic divide their time between the US and India, often spending winter months in their home country before returning. However, immigration officials have started interpreting extended stays abroad as a sign that these individuals no longer intend to reside permanently in the US.
Previously, Green Card holders who remained outside the country for more than six months risked additional scrutiny upon their return. Now, reports suggest that even those traveling for shorter periods have encountered difficulties. Several elderly Indian immigrants have claimed that CBP officers aggressively encouraged them to sign Form I-407, warning that failure to comply could result in immediate detention or deportation.
For many, this practice has created an unsettling dilemma—choosing between visiting their homeland and preserving their US residency. Individuals who have lived in the country for decades and contributed to society now face an unexpected challenge: maintaining ties to their birth country could lead to the loss of their Green Card.
Concerns Over Legal Overreach
Immigration attorneys have raised alarms over what they perceive as an overreach by CBP officers. While the law allows Green Card holders to spend limited time outside the US, recent enforcement trends suggest an unofficial policy shift aimed at compelling individuals to surrender their residency.
Legal experts emphasize that officers cannot force anyone to sign Form I-407. However, many elderly immigrants, unfamiliar with US immigration law and possibly limited in English proficiency, feel powerless in the face of official threats. Several advocacy organizations have urged Green Card holders to assert their rights, advising those pressured at the border to refuse to sign the form and request legal representation instead.
Despite these recommendations, many travelers remain vulnerable. Faced with aggressive questioning and threats, elderly immigrants are often left with little recourse, leading to an increase in reported cases of involuntary Green Card relinquishment.
A Chilling Effect on Indian Immigration
The intensified scrutiny has had a profound impact on the Indian American community, sending shockwaves through the diaspora. Many Green Card holders who previously planned to apply for US citizenship are now expediting the process, fearing that permanent residency no longer provides the security they once assumed. Others are reconsidering their long-term future in the US, questioning whether they will ever be fully accepted in the country.
India has historically been one of the largest sources of legal immigrants to the US, with many arriving on employment-based visas before transitioning to permanent residency. However, the uncertainty surrounding Green Card holders has cast a shadow over this pipeline. Prospective immigrants now face the reality that even achieving permanent residency does not guarantee stability in an increasingly restrictive immigration climate.
Political and Economic Consequences
The enforcement measures targeting Indian Green Card holders could have significant political and economic implications. The Indian American community, a key voting bloc, has historically played a crucial role in elections, particularly in swing states such as Georgia and Pennsylvania. If the perception grows that the Republican administration is actively targeting Indian immigrants, it could influence voter behavior in upcoming elections.
From an economic standpoint, Indian professionals have long been essential to the US technology and healthcare sectors. Many American companies depend on skilled workers from India, and increased immigration restrictions could deter talent from pursuing opportunities in the US. This, in turn, could impact innovation, economic growth, and the ability of industries already experiencing labor shortages to attract skilled professionals.
Uncertain Future for Green Card Holders
As US immigration enforcement tightens, the fate of many Indian Green Card holders remains uncertain. While some will choose to fight for their residency rights, others may opt to leave rather than endure the stress and uncertainty of navigating an increasingly restrictive system.
For now, the message from the US government is clear: Green Card holders must remain vigilant, fully informed of their legal rights, and prepared for heightened scrutiny. As immigration policies continue to evolve under the Trump administration, many fear this is only the beginning of a more challenging era for permanent residents.
With the future of US immigration policies hanging in the balance, Indian Green Card holders find themselves at a crossroads—facing the difficult choice of continuing their lives in the US under heightened surveillance or seeking stability elsewhere.