Tougher Immigration Rules in U.S.: ID Cards Now Compulsory for All Non-Citizens

International News: Conditions are changing for Indian students dreaming of studying and permanently settling in America. Due to the strictness of the US administration regarding the student visa (F-1), a large number of Indian students are now turning to the EB-5 investment visa. This visa opens the way for getting a green card and permanent residence in the US. 

Meanwhile, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have warned the immigrants that if a person is found to be involved in serious crimes, his visa and green card can be canceled and deported. USCIS clarified that the Green Card is not a right but a privilege.

What is EB-5 visa program?

The EB-5 visa is a program run by the US government, under which foreign nationals can become eligible for a permanent residence by investing a minimum of $ 800,000 (about Rs 7 crore) in the US. This investment can be made in the 'Regional Center' approved by the US government, which makes it mandatory for at least 10 people to get full-time employment.

Why are students taking interest in EB-5?

According to immigration lawyers, the number of Indian applicants for EB-5 has doubled. Earlier, most H-1B visa holders used to apply in it, but now F-1 visa holder students are also joining it. Strict policies made during Donald Trump's tenure and current administration visa policies have forced students to find alternatives.

F-1 visa allows students to study full-time studies in the US, but the opportunities to work after studies are limited. This is the reason that now students are already considering permanent residence options like EB-5.

Boundaries and challenges in EB-5 visa

Although the EB-5 visa opens the way to settle in the US, but it also has some limitations. The annual maximum limit for every country of this visa is only 700, including dependent (spouse and children). Since more than 86,000 Indian students are studying in America by 2024, competition may increase considerably.

For this reason, experts believe that if the demand for EB-5 continues to grow like this, then the waiting period can be quite long. This visa is only a practical option for those who are able to make high investment.

'Parole in Place': Another option

The US also has a program called 'Parole in Place' for military personnel, ex -servicemen and some of their unspecified families, which provides them protection from temporary valid status, work authority and exile. This reduces the concern of the soldiers whose families are illegally living in the US.

New law: Keep identity card with you all the time

Under the policy of Donald Trump, it has now been made mandatory for all non-internalists living in the US to be maintained. This rule has come into force from 11 April 2024. This includes students, workers and other legal immigrants. DHS has clarified that no concession will be given for violating this rule.

Strict message of USCIS: Criminals will not be spared

The Los Angeles Office of the USCIS has recently canceled a Chinese citizen's green card, which had serious allegations such as fraud, money laundering and misuse of credit cards. USCIS has started the process of deporting it in association with Ice (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

On X, USCIS wrote, "Green card is not right, privilege. It is our priority to make America safe by catching criminals." The road to studies and permanent settlement in America has become more complicated than ever. The EB-5 visa has emerged as an alternative to students and professionals who are economically capable and want a permanent residence in the US. But the USCIS warning makes it clear that the US is now having a strong hope of following the law with visa holders.