All immigrants, including legal visa holders like H-1B workers and international students, must now carry documentation at all times, as per a DHS directive following a judge’s greenlight to Trump-era policy.
April 12, 2025: The United States has officially implemented stricter immigration enforcement rules, raising concern among H-1B visa holders and international students—many of whom are Indian nationals. Under the directive issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all non-citizens aged 18 and above are now required to carry valid immigration documents at all times.
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This development comes after a US District Court approved the Trump administration’s long-pending proposal to compel all undocumented immigrants to register with the federal government. The DHS stated emphatically:
“There will be no sanctuary for noncompliance.”
🔍 What the New Rules Mean
- Even legally residing immigrants—including those on H-1B work visas, F-1 student visas, or with green cards—must always carry proof of legal status.
- Those already registered (via visa, green card, employment authorization, I-94, etc.) are not subject to re-registration.
- However, failure to present documents on request could lead to questioning or detention under the enhanced enforcement rules.
- Children turning 14 must re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of their birthday, as per the DHS order.
⚠️ Rising Concern Among Indian Diaspora
Indian nationals, who form the largest demographic of H-1B workers and F-1 international students, are likely to be significantly impacted by this policy, especially amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding green card backlogs and immigration wait times.
The move is seen as a tightening of Trump-era immigration policy, even as the administration simultaneously paused tariff pressures on key trade allies.
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H-1B, US Immigration, DHS, Trump Immigration Policy, Visa Rules USA, Indian Students, Green Card, USCIS, US Judge Order, H1B Visa Holders, International Students, Immigration Enforcement