Washington/New Delhi: Strictness has increased regarding student visa in America. Because of this, many Indian students are now looking towards EB-5 visa. They want to find a way to stay in America forever. Meanwhile, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has warned immigrants. USCIS says that if someone commits a serious crime, his green card and visa can be canceled. In such a situation, Indians who are working and dreaming of settling there permanently will have to be very careful in every step. Let's understand the whole thing.
Know what is EB-5 visa program, understand the terms
EB-5 visa is a program through which foreigners can get green card in America. For this, they have to invest at least $800,000 (about Rs 7 crore) in an American business. This investment can also be made in a regional center approved by the government. This investment should provide full-time employment to at least 10 people in America.
Why have the applications for EB-5 visa program increased?
Immigration lawyers say that the applications for EB-5 visa have increased a lot. The interest of F-1 student visa holders has increased by 100%. Earlier, mostly people with H-1B visa showed interest in it. This change has come due to increased strictness on student visa.
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Why are Indian students considering EB-5
During Donald Trump's presidency, some policies were made which made it difficult for international students to live and work in the US after their studies. The F-1 visa allows students to study full-time in the US. However, job opportunities are very limited during and after studies. Due to these difficulties, many Indian students are now thinking about how to stay in the US forever as soon as they start their studies. Therefore, they are considering options like EB-5.
Only 700 EB-5 visas for each country
EB-5 visa makes the path to getting a green card easier, but there are some problems in it too. The number of EB-5 visas for each country is only about 700, which also includes dependents. By 2024, more than 86,000 Indian students are studying in the US. Therefore, the competition for this visa can increase a lot.
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EB-5 visa program is a better option for those with money
Legal advisors say that if the demand for EB-5 visas continues to grow like this, the waiting time will increase a lot. This will cause problems for those who want to live in America quickly. Despite the difficulties, America is still the best place for Indian students to study. The EB-5 program is becoming a good option for those who can afford it. This allows them to stay forever, there is no restriction on working and the path to citizenship also becomes easier.
What is Parole in Place, this is also an option
The Parole in Place program allows some undocumented family members of US military personnel, veterans and recruits to legally stay in the US. It provides temporary legal status, work authorization and protection from deportation. The program helps military families by ensuring that their loved ones can stay in the country, reducing stress and anxiety for service members. Also know some of the terms from the graphic below.
Trump's alien law has come into force
President Donald Trump has made a big change in the immigration policy. He has approved the new alien law. Now all immigrants living in America will have to keep their identity card in their pocket at all times. The people for whom this rule has been made mandatory are those who live legally, work and students. According to this new rule, every non-citizen aged 18 years or above will have to keep his identity card with him at all times. DHS has clearly said that this rule will be strictly implemented and no concessions will be given for violating it. This rule has come into force from April 11 this year. DHS has also said that they will pay more attention to this rule and will strictly implement it.
...Green card is not a guarantee of staying in America
USCIS Los Angeles said in a post on X that they have caught a Chinese citizen who has many serious charges against him. These include fraud, money laundering and misuse of credit card. USCIS, along with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has revoked the man's green card and is preparing to deport him. USCIS wrote on X, having a green card is a privilege, not a right. It is committed to making America safe again by catching criminals.
