The US Department of State recently reaffirmed its commitment to strict immigration controls, via its official ‘X’ account and wrote, “U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t.”
This heightened scrutiny has particularly impacted Indian Green Card holders, especially elderly individuals who spend extended periods in India during the winter months. Reports have surfaced that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have been pressuring these individuals at airports to sign Form I-407, which voluntarily surrenders their permanent residency. Those who attempt to resist the pressure face threats of detention or deportation.
U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t. pic.twitter.com/aZsnUTnXGP
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 17, 2025
This crackdown comes in the wake of a series of immigration-related executive orders announced by US President Donald Trump following his return to the White House. In addition, US Vice-President JD Vance has publicly stated that holding a Green Card does not guarantee an indefinite right to remain in the country. “For a green card holder, even if I might like that green card holder, he does not have an indefinite right to be in the United States of America,” Vance told Fox News.
A Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, allows an individual to live and work permanently in the United States, but it appears that the US government is now enforcing stricter conditions for those who do not meet residency requirements. This development marks a significant shift in the treatment of Green Card holders, leaving many Indians questioning their status in the country.
