Dependent Indian children in US fear 'self-deportation' after turning 21

In yet another blow to Indians living in the US, recent changes in the immigration rule state that children of H1-B visa holders who are set to turn 21 will no longer be considered as dependents of their NRI parents.

These children until now fell under the H-4 visa category and were dependent on H-1B visa holders.

Previously, when these children turned 21, they had two years to opt for a new visa status. However, the recent changes have left them in a state of crisis as they fear getting 'self-deported' to India, a country they are not familiar with as a result of growing up in the US, as per a report in The Times of India.

As per the 2023 data quoted by the publication, around 1.34 lakh children of the Indian origin were expected to turn 21 and age out of their dependent visas.

"I have lived here since I was six. My education, friends, and my future, everything is here. But now, I am being told that I might have to leave the only country I have ever known," the publication quoted a 20-year-old whose dependent visa expires in August as saying. While some of them are eligible for an F-1 (student) visa, this will brand them as international students in US colleges.

"This will not only make people like me ineligible for in-state tuition fees, federal financial aid, and 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.

The confusion comes after a recent court ruling in Texas as per which new applicants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be blocked. DACA used to temporarily protect immigrant children who turned 21 for two years. Meanwhile, their parents who have applied for a green card are looking at a waiting period of 12-100 years.

Students told the publication that when their visas expire, they won't be able to afford the out-of-state tuition.

"It feels as though I am 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," a 20-year-old from Texas said.

Meanwhile, some of the youth are now planning to move to Canada or the UK considering it as an "easier option".

A few of the children who are turning 21 this year shared that the waiting period in the US employment-based green card system is 23 years.

"After the new govt came to power and banned birthright citizenship, everything is confusing," a Texas-based student said.

This comes at a time when Trump has been taking stern actions since taking office on January 20 against illegal immigration.