Many Indian immigrants residing in the United States under H-4 visas are approaching adulthood and facing an uncertain future. As they near the age of 21, these individuals will no longer qualify as dependents on their parents' H1-B visas. This situation arises due to the prolonged delays in the U.S. employment-based green card system, which disproportionately affects Indian nationals. Some are exploring alternative immigration options in countries like Canada or the UK, where policies are more accommodating. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2026, opening from March 7 to March 24. Advocacy groups such as Improve The Dream are working tirelessly to address this issue through legislative changes like the America’s Children Act.
The predicament faced by many young Indians in the U.S. is rooted in the complex and often delayed green card process. When children of H-1B visa holders turn 21, they lose their dependent status unless their parents have secured a green card by then. This phenomenon, known as "aging out," forces these individuals to either leave the country or find alternative ways to remain legally. Many have spent most of their lives in the U.S., attending schools and universities, and contributing to society. Yet, without timely green card approvals, they risk being forced to depart, despite having lived lawfully in the country for years. The backlog in the green card system has worsened over the past decade, leaving thousands in limbo.
To combat this issue, organizations like Improve The Dream advocate for legislative solutions. One such proposal is the America’s Children Act, which aims to provide a clear pathway to citizenship for those who grew up in the U.S. but face aging out. This bipartisan legislation would allow individuals who have maintained lawful status to apply for a green card and eventually citizenship. It also ensures that pending green card applications do not get invalidated once someone turns 21. Supporters argue that this reform would benefit both the affected individuals and the broader U.S. economy, as many of these young adults work in critical fields like STEM and healthcare.
Immigration reform remains a pressing issue for the U.S., especially concerning those who have spent nearly their entire lives in the country. Each year, approximately 10,000 people, mostly in STEM and healthcare, face the prospect of leaving the only home they have ever known. The economic implications of losing these highly skilled individuals are significant. Despite the challenges, there is hope that ongoing advocacy and bipartisan support can lead to meaningful changes in immigration policy, ensuring that these young adults can continue to contribute to American society.