Trump Immigration Rule Draws Fire From Indian-American Lawmaker

U.S. Representative Ami Bera has condemned a Trump administration policy that treats green card adjustments inside the country as an exceptional measure rather than routine procedure. The California Democrat said the directive forces lawful visa holders—including students and H-1B workers—to depart while their applications are reviewed, creating anxiety for families and businesses that depend on their skills. Under the new guidance, USCIS officers must decide each petition on a case-by-case basis, often requiring applicants to finish processing at overseas consulates. Officials claim the shift restores the original intent of immigration law and discourages overstays. Critics, however, see it as an abrupt reversal that ignores existing backlogs and the contributions of highly educated immigrants. Bera highlighted the personal stakes, noting that many Indian professionals waiting for employment-based green cards have already spent years inside the United States contributing to research labs, hospitals and tech firms. He argued that compelling them to leave mid-process would stall projects, disrupt employer operations and weaken America’s competitive edge. The congressman pledged support for lawsuits seeking to stop the rule and urged Congress to pursue comprehensive reform that shortens wait times rather than extending them. Observers expect the measure to resonate strongly within Indian-American communities already navigating multi-year visa queues.