The Rising Scrutiny on Elderly Indian Immigrants
US immigration authorities have intensified enforcement actions against elderly Indian Green Card holders, sparking outrage among diaspora communities and advocacy groups. Under policies revived during the Trump administration, long-term lawful permanent residents (LPRs) from India—many in their 60s and 70s—are being scrutinised for minor compliance issues, such as extended stays abroad or delayed citizenship applications. Critics argue the crackdown disproportionately targets vulnerable seniors, upending lives built over decades in America.
Trump-Era Policies: Reshaping Immigration Enforcement
The Trump administration’s 2019 public charge rule, which penalises immigrants for using public benefits like Medicaid, laid the groundwork for the current wave of enforcement. While initially aimed at deterring undocumented migration, the policy has increasingly ensnared elderly Green Card holders. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now routinely flags LPRs who spend prolonged periods outside the US, accusing them of “abandoning residency.” Elderly Indians, often reliant on family support in both the US and India, are particularly vulnerable. Many split time caring for grandchildren in America while maintaining ties to ageing relatives in India, a pattern now deemed suspicious by immigration officials.
Why Elderly Indians Are in the Crosshairs
Three factors explain the focus on elderly Indian immigrants. First, cultural norms encourage multigenerational caregiving, leading to frequent travel between countries. Second, language barriers and age-related challenges make passing the US citizenship test difficult, leaving many reliant on Green Cards. Third, the public charge rule disproportionately impacts seniors who access healthcare benefits. A 2022 study by the Cato Institute found Indian immigrants over 60 are 30% more likely to use Medicaid than other groups, heightening deportation risks under revised eligibility criteria.
“My parents contributed taxes for 40 years. Now, because my father needed knee surgery, they’re being treated like criminals,” says Priya Sharma*, whose 72-year-old father received a deportation notice after using Medicare.
Human Toll: Families Torn Apart
The enforcement surge has left families grappling with sudden separations and legal battles. In one case, 68-year-old Ramesh Patel* had his Green Card revoked after spending eight months in Gujarat caring for his terminally ill sister. USCIS claimed he “abandoned” US residency, despite owning a home in Texas and having family there.
Elderly immigrants also face psychological distress. “I feel like a prisoner. I’m scared to visit my daughter in Mumbai,” says 70-year-old Asha Mehta*, who has lived in New Jersey since 1995. Advocacy groups report a spike in anxiety-related health issues among seniors fearing loss of status.
Community Backlash and Legal Challenges
Organisations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) are contesting deportations, calling the policies “xenophobic” and “discriminatory.” Protests have erupted in cities with large Indian populations, including New York and Silicon Valley, where seniors are celebrated as cultural anchors and childcare providers.
“Targeting grandparents who’ve spent decades building communities here isn’t just cruel—it’s economically shortsighted,” says SAALT director Lakshmi Sridaran.
Meanwhile, families are crowdfunding legal fees, which often exceed $10,000 per case. “We’ve spent our savings fighting to keep my parents here,” says Anand Kapoor*, whose in-laws face deportation over a two-month overstay in India.
Criticism of Arbitrary Enforcement
Legal experts highlight inconsistencies in how residency rules are applied. While Green Card holders must not spend over six months abroad continuously, USCIS often penalises shorter absences if deemed “frequent.” Lack of clear guidelines leaves adjudicators with unchecked discretion.
“There’s no objective standard. One officer might ignore a seven-month stay, while another revokes status for five months,” says immigration attorney Ruchi Thaker. Age bias compounds the issue: a 2023 UCLA study found seniors are 50% more likely to lose Green Cards over travel history than younger LPRs.
Broader Implications for Indian-Americans
The crackdown has sent ripples through the Indian diaspora. Many professionals on H-1B visas, initially planning to sponsor parents for Green Cards, are reconsidering. “Why bring my parents here if they’ll just be harassed?” asks tech worker Neha Reddy.
Diplomatic tensions are also rising. India’s External Affairs Ministry has lodged formal complaints, noting that 65% of Green Card revocations in 2023 involved Indian nationals. Analysts warn the issue could strain US-India relations, particularly as both nations seek closer economic ties.
Government Responses and Policy Reforms
USCIS defends its actions as necessary to “maintain system integrity,” citing a 40% rise in Green Card fraud cases since 2020. However, bipartisan lawmakers are pushing for reforms. The proposed Protecting Elderly Immigrants Act seeks to exempt seniors from public charge rules and simplify citizenship tests for those over 65.
The Indian Embassy has launched workshops to educate Green Card holders about compliance, while diaspora groups urge faster citizenship processing. “Waiting times for citizenship interviews now exceed two years. Seniors can’t afford that delay,” says advocate Meena Krishnan.
A Path Toward Fairness
Advocates propose three fixes: clearer residency guidelines allowing annual six-month stays abroad without penalty, exemptions for elderly immigrants from public charge assessments, and waived citizenship test requirements for seniors with decade-long US residency.
“These are people who’ve paid taxes, raised families, and enriched communities. They deserve dignity, not deportation,” argues Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a key sponsor of immigration reforms.
As legal battles escalate, the outcomes will shape not just the lives of elderly immigrants but the soul of a nation built by generations seeking the American dream.
