The plight of many Indians living in the U.S. has become increasingly concerning, especially for those who are unable to visit their elderly parents in India.
The desire to spend quality time with family is often overshadowed by the fear of not being able to return to their jobs in America. Many NRIs face this dilemma.
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One NRI from Texas who holds an H1B visa is torn between the wish to visit his parents and the responsibilities of his job in the U.S. He finds himself confused about his immigration status, unsure whether he can travel back to India without risking his work opportunities.
His story gained traction after he shared his struggles on social media, resonating with many others in similar situations.
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Since arriving in the U.S. in October 2022, he has been unable to visit India. His desire to return is met with anxiety over whether his visa renewal will be approved.
His I-94 form is valid until September 2025, and his H1B status remains active. However, the stamp on his visa expired in August 2023, creating uncertainty about his ability to re-enter the U.S.
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This small stamp has significant implications, determining whether he can continue his life in America or if he must consider staying in another country.
In his social media post, NRI expressed his longing to see his aging parents.
However, his family in the U.S. has advised him against traveling, warning him of the potential risks: “If you go to India, you may face issues. Your visa renewal might not go through, and if any other problems arise, you could lose your chance to return. You risk losing everything you’ve worked for here.”
Immigration experts recommend that Indians planning to travel to the U.S. be cautious before making decisions. They warn that even with a valid H1B status, returning to the U.S. without a valid visa stamp can be risky.
While options like automatic revalidation or Dropbox visa stamping exist, they are not universally applicable, and some may not be able to take advantage of these methods.
Until the complexities of the immigration system are more clearly understood, many NRIs find themselves unable to visit their parents in India. They hope for a safe opportunity to return home without risking their future in the U.S.
