The Trump administration is imposing stricter measures on Indian immigrants in the US, particularly targeting elderly Indian green card holders at airports. Many are being pressured to surrender their green cards and sign Form I-407, which relinquishes their permanent residency. Reports indicate a rise in such incidents recently.

During winter, many elderly Indian immigrants visit India due to harsh weather in the US. When they return after three months, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers detain them at airports. According to US immigration law (INA), citizens staying abroad for over 180 days may be denied re-entry. However, attorney Ashwin Sharma clarifies that this rule generally applies only if green card holders stay outside the US for more than a year.

Recently, cases of CBP canceling green cards for those staying abroad for less than a year have increased, mainly targeting elderly Indians. Officers allegedly threaten to detain or deport them if they refuse to surrender their green cards. Attorney Kripa Upadhyay advises green card holders never to hand over their cards voluntarily. Only those who sign Form I-407 willingly lose their status, and those staying abroad for over a year can still challenge the decision in court.