Congressleader and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla has said that the United States' latest move on theGreen Cardpolicy will "cause immense hardship" to those who have spent years building their lives and careers in the country. His remarks surfaced after theUnited States Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) informed the public that from now on, an alien (immigrant) who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card (also considered as permanent resident) must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the US for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” the USCIS said.
“Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” it added.
Following US latest policy change, Rajeev Shukla expressed his concern in a post on X, formerly Twitter, and said, “The recent change in U.S. immigration policy that forces professionals and students into uncertainty during their Green Card journey can cause immense hardship.”
“Behind every immigration policy are families who have built their lives with hope and sacrifice. The human impact will be massive and must not be overlooked,” he said.
Shukla further expressed that the U.S. government should review this decision, as thousands across the world, including Indians, have contributed immensely to its economy and society. “The Government of India must also take note and stand by the interests of its citizens abroad,” he added while tagging the Ministry of External Affairs on X.
Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) leader and former Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has also voiced his concern on US' new Green Card policy, saying that it will have a potential economic ripple effects on both Indian professionals and domestic markets.
The USCIS did not spell out which groups would be exempted, only suggesting that the policy may not apply to persons seeking asylum.
In a statement, USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler said that people who “provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest will likely be able to continue on their current path.”
It was not immediately clear whether these exceptions would extend to skilled foreign workers on H-1B visas.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
