H-1B Holders: According to a recent US regulation, foreign nationals who are registered with the systems there, including Indians with visas, would now need to keep their documentation with them at all times, and their children will need to re-register and provide their fingerprints as soon as they reach 14.

New Immigration Law:

Any immigrant residing in the United States is required by the new rule to provide documentation at any time attesting to their legal status. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made the statement on Friday after notifying the public about the new regulation.

In a media statement, DHS said, “All noncitizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. This administration has directed DHS to prioritise enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance.”

The declaration follows a US court’s decision to approve the Trump administration’s plan to require illegal immigrants entering or residing in the country to register with the federal government or risk fines or jail time.

Impact on Indians:

The new rules, which went into effect on April 11, are expected to affect immigrants in the US in a number of ways. The judgment will also have an impact on holders of Indian H-1B visas.

Those who entered the US with a valid visa (study, work, travel, etc.), have a green card, employment documentation border crossing card, or an I-94 admission record will not be impacted by the US court decision and won’t have to re-register, according to a Times of India report that cited immigration experts.

Also Read: ‘India Is Next Global Innovation Hub’: Infosys Co-Founder

New US Visa Rules and It’s Effects:
Even for those immigrants who are “already registered,” such as Indians, it is necessary to always have their registration paperwork on hand. This includes foreign students, many of whom are Indian, and Indian employees with H-1B visas.

Within the first 30 days of turning 14, the offspring of such individuals will need to re-register and provide their fingerprints.

Media reports state that District Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington, who was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term in office, determined that organizations opposing the Department of Homeland Security rule that implemented the policy, such as United Farm Workers of America and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, had not demonstrated that they had standing to file the lawsuit.

Although the requirement has not been enforced, federal law has long compelled immigrants in the United States, even those who are in the country illegally, to register.

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