Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s new immigration policy. The policy could potentially require many Green Card applicants living legally in the United States to leave the country and complete the process abroad. Bera described this move as disruptive and harmful to families, workers, and the American economy.
The California Democrat expressed his opposition to the decision by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to implement a new policy. This policy memo states that adjustment of status inside the United States should be viewed as an “extraordinary form of relief” rather than a regular immigration pathway. Bera emphasized that this decision creates unnecessary fear and uncertainty for those affected.
Bera highlighted that the new approach would involve immigration officers assessing applications on a case-by-case basis. Many applicants are now expected to pursue consular processing from their home countries. USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler defended the policy, stating that it aligns with the original intent of the law. The administration aims to reduce visa overstays and alleviate pressure on the immigration system through this change.
The congressman pointed out that the policy could have a significant impact on highly skilled immigrants in the United States. He emphasized that the country has historically benefited from attracting top professionals through legal immigration channels and worker visa programs. Bera warned that forcing these individuals to leave during the green card process could deprive the nation of their contributions to innovation and the economy.
Bera, whose parents immigrated from India, shared a personal perspective on the issue. He emphasized that legal immigrants play a vital role in strengthening communities and contributing to the nation. The congressman called for a reduction in processing delays and the modernization of the immigration system instead of creating additional barriers for law-abiding individuals. Bera also expressed his support for legal challenges to the policy, anticipating that the courts would intervene.
The policy change has sparked criticism from immigration advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers. They argue that requiring applicants to leave the country during processing could lead to family separations, career disruptions, and uncertainty for employers. The issue is particularly relevant to Indian nationals in the United States, including H-1B visa holders and international students. Many Indians are among those waiting in the Green Card backlogs and rely on adjustment of status provisions to stay in the country during the application process.
