HYDERABAD: Hyderabad: Close to one lakh Indian youth in the US, turning 21 this year, are burdened by the same question: What next? While the US policy, up until now, allowed these H4 visa holders — dependants of NRIs parents — time to opt for a new visa status after ‘ageing out’, recent changes in immigration policies and court cases have left them worried about the provision being struck out.
Their fear: Being forced to ‘self deport’ to India — a country they are barely familiar with — or living as ‘outsiders’ in the US.
A recent court ruling in Texas that blocks work permits to new applicants under the has compounded the confusion.
With them turning 21 soon, the Indian youth fear they might be staring at uncertainty. Also, because their parents — who migrated to the US with the kids were minors — are all H-1B holders with a waiting period of between 12 and 100 years for a green card.
Fee challenge
“I have lived here since I was six. My education, friends, and my future are here. But now, I am being told that I might have to leave the only country I have ever known,” said a 20-year-old nursing student from California, whose dependent H-4 visa expires in Aug. Although she is eligible for an F-1 (student) visa to continue her education, the process comes with its own set of challenges — of being branded as international students. “This will not only make us ineligible for in-state tuition fees, federal financial aid, or scholarships, but also put a huge financial burden on our families, many of whom are already struggling with the high cost of living in the US,” she said.
Another 20-year-old from Texas, whose H-4 visa will expire by the end of this year, said, “I can’t afford out-of-state tuition and can’t work off-campus to support myself. It feels like I’m being punished for something I had no control over. I will have to pay fees as high as $45,000 (Rs 39.2 lakh) compared to $10,000 (Rs 8.7 lakh) that my friends here pay.”
Canada, UK next options
Some of these youth are also considering moving to other countries like Canada or the UK, where immigration policies are seen as more inclusive. “It might be an easier option. Even if I stay and study here, I don’t know what my prospects are of getting a job and securing my future. My parents are planning to return to India after retirement, so I have nothing to stay back for,” said a Memphis-based undergraduate student who will be turning 21 in April. He added: “I can’t see myself moving back to India as it seems like just another foreign land to me. I left when I was child. I would have to start afresh.”
Green card backlog
The massive backlog in the US employment-based green card system, which disproportionately affects Indian immigrants, is a serious concern among this section of youth. According to data from March 2023, nearly 1.34 lakh Indian children were expected to age out of dependent visa status before their families obtained green cards. “Our waiting period is 23 years, and I am turning 21 this October. What am I supposed to do after that?,” said a Texas-based student.
