The fear is no longer limited to H-1B visa holders. Even Green Card holders are now facing questions and uncertainty while entering the US.
A recent case has added to these concerns. Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty, a Green Card holder, was detained by ICE in Georgia. She has lived in the US for 27 years. She became a lawful permanent resident in 2013.
Her detention came after she had spent several months in India in 2022. US authorities reportedly questioned whether she had abandoned her permanent residency.
Her family says she had gone to India to care for an ailing parent and recover from COVID-19. They also say she has strong ties to the US.
Another recent case involves Indian-origin jazz musician Pritesh Walia. He was detained after returning to Los Angeles stating that he had overstayed his visa.
Walia spent 14 days at an ICE detention centre before being released on bond. He later described the experience as frightening and said it changed him forever.
These cases show that every immigration case can be different. A tourist on a B1/B2 visa may face one set of questions. An F1 student may face another. An H-1B employee can also be questioned. Even a Green Card holder may face scrutiny.
The questions can depend on travel history, immigration status and other circumstances. In some cases, the questioning may lead to detention.
This has created what many describe as a hostile environment for foreigners at US ports of entry.
For Indians living in the US, frequent travel is becoming a source of worry. Some are now thinking twice before travelling between India and America.
There are also claims that airfares have softened because demand is not as strong as before. However, ticket prices change for many reasons, so this cannot be linked only to immigration fears.
The bigger message is simple. Having a visa or Green Card does not mean every entry will be routine.
Every case is unique. No single incident can predict what will happen to another traveller. But the growing uncertainty is clearly making many non-citizens more cautious about travelling to the US.
