The US Department of State recently reaffirmed its commitment to strict immigration enforcement through its official ‘X’ account, emphasising that visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. It stated that visa holders are continuously monitored to ensure compliance with all US laws and immigration rules, warning that those who fail to adhere risk having their visas revoked and facing deportation.
This heightened scrutiny has particularly affected Indian Green Card holders, especially elderly individuals who spend extended periods in India during the winter months. Reports indicate that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have been pressuring these individuals at airports to sign Form I-407, which voluntarily relinquishes their permanent residency. Those who resist have allegedly faced threats of detention or deportation.
The crackdown follows a series of immigration-related executive orders issued by President Donald Trump after his return to the White House. Additionally, Vice President JD Vance has stressed that a Green Card does not guarantee indefinite residency, stating in an interview with Fox News that even if he had a favourable opinion of a Green Card holder, the individual still did not have an indefinite right to remain in the US.
A Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, grants an individual the right to live and work permanently in the US. However, recent actions suggest the government is imposing stricter conditions on those who fail to meet residency requirements, leaving many Indian Green Card holders uncertain about their status.
Green Card Holders Under Heightened Scrutiny
The State Department has reiterated its tough stance on visa and residency compliance, warning that visa screening continues even after issuance. Officials have emphasised that those violating US laws or immigration rules risk having their visas revoked and being deported.
This shift has led to a wave of anxiety among Indian permanent residents, particularly elderly Green Card holders. Reports indicate that CBP officers have been targeting such individuals upon their return, pressuring them to sign Form I-407. Many who resisted have allegedly faced threats of detention or deportation, creating what some describe as a “reign of terror” for Indian Green Card holders.
A Broader Immigration Crackdown
This aggressive enforcement is part of a larger push by the Trump administration. Within weeks of reassuming office, Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies, continuing his hardline stance from his first term.
Vice President JD Vance has echoed the administration’s view that Green Card holders should not assume indefinite rights to remain in the US. He has underscored that holding a Green Card does not provide an absolute guarantee of residency, reinforcing concerns that permanent residents must tread carefully to maintain their legal status.
The increased scrutiny comes amid a broader trend of anti-immigration rhetoric gaining traction in Washington. Hardline conservatives have pushed for policies making it more difficult for immigrants—both documented and undocumented—to remain in the country, citing economic and national security concerns.
Targeting Elderly Green Card Holders
While the new measures affect all Green Card holders, elderly Indian immigrants appear to be disproportionately impacted. Many in this demographic divide their time between the US and India, often spending the colder months in their home country before returning to the US. However, officials have begun interpreting prolonged stays abroad as an indication that these individuals no longer intend to reside permanently in the US.
Previously, Green Card holders who spent more than six months abroad risked additional questioning upon their return. Now, even those travelling for shorter durations have reported facing intimidation at US airports. Some claim that CBP officers have aggressively suggested they sign Form I-407, implying that failure to comply could result in immediate detention or forced deportation.
For many, this pressure campaign has left them feeling trapped—unable to freely visit their homeland without risking their status in the US. Those who have lived in the country for decades, built lives, and contributed to society are now being treated with suspicion simply for maintaining connections to their birth country.
The Legal Perspective
Immigration lawyers have raised concerns over what they see as an overreach by CBP officers. While the law allows Green Card holders to spend limited time outside the US, the increasing pressure to surrender residency suggests an unofficial policy shift. Legal experts warn that officers cannot forcibly make someone sign Form I-407, but many elderly immigrants, intimidated by threats, may feel they have no choice.
Several advocacy groups have urged Green Card holders to understand their rights. Those facing coercion at the border are advised to refuse to sign Form I-407 and instead insist on speaking with a lawyer. However, many travellers—particularly elderly ones unfamiliar with US immigration laws or fluent English—find themselves overwhelmed by the situation.
A Chilling Effect on Indian Immigration
This crackdown has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora in the US. Many Green Card holders who had previously considered applying for US citizenship are now accelerating their plans, fearing that permanent residency may no longer be as secure as they once believed. Others are reconsidering their long-term future in the US, questioning whether they will ever truly be accepted.
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, uncertainty surrounding Green Card holders has cast a shadow over this pipeline. Prospective immigrants now face the reality that even securing permanent residency does not guarantee stability in an increasingly hostile immigration climate.
Political and Economic Implications
The crackdown on Indian Green Card holders has broader political and economic implications. The Indian-American community has traditionally been an influential voting bloc, particularly in swing states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. If the perception grows that the Republican administration is targeting Indian immigrants, it could have electoral consequences.
Economically, Indian professionals play a crucial role in the US technology and healthcare sectors. Many companies rely on skilled workers from India, and if immigration policies become increasingly restrictive, it could deter talent from coming to the US. This, in turn, could impact innovation and economic growth, particularly in industries already facing skilled labour shortages.
Uncertain Future
As the US tightens its grip on immigration enforcement, the fate of many Indian Green Card holders remains uncertain. While some may choose to fight for their right to stay, others may opt to leave rather than endure the stress and humiliation of being treated as unwelcome guests in a country they have called home for years.
For now, the message from the US government is clear: Green Card holders must be vigilant, fully aware of their legal rights, and prepared for increased scrutiny. As immigration policies continue to evolve under the Trump administration, many fear this is only the beginning of a more restrictive era for permanent residents.
