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Indian Americans scale back holiday travel over immigration fears
The community says that stricter re-entry checks and visa risks are prompting them to avoid holiday trips home.
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Pallavi Mehra - Mon, 17, Nov 2025
- 23:23 EST
- 26
Representative image / Unsplash
Are Indians in America going back to India this holiday season? For thousands of Indian professionals and students, the answer is a cautious “no.” There seems to be a widespread cautious outlook for Indian Americans traveling back to India for the holidays this season, driven by intensified American immigration enforcement and fears over re-entry.
The dilemma pits the emotional pull of family and festivals against the critical necessity of maintaining job and visa security in the United States.
New India Abroad spoke to a few Indian Americans across the professional spectrum to understand their sentiments and decisions as the holiday season approaches.
The rise of re-entry anxiety
The core of the hesitation lies in recent changes at American ports of entry and increasing scrutiny regarding the status of non-immigrant visa holders and even green card holders. Reports indicate that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are stepping up inspections, including more aggressive screening of digital history and proof of residency.
“I’ve always traveled home for Diwali and Christmas, but this year I’m too jittery and scared, so I’m choosing not to go. While I’m sad that I’ll miss a reunion with my family and friends, I’m too worried that I won’t be able to re-enter America,” mentioned Akshay S., a 35-year-old H-1B visa holder working as an investment banker in NYC. Akshay, who has been advised by his company to minimize his trip duration, noted that his employer has explicitly stated that travel is “at your own risk” and that the employee must “bear the consequences if [they are] stopped when returning to the U.S.”
This fear is heightened for those working remotely, even temporarily. Numerous consultancies have reportedly advised their employees against traveling altogether, citing instances of individuals having their visas revoked or facing extensive questioning upon return due to suspicions of remote work being performed from India while on a temporary U.S. visa.
Representative image / UnsplashStudents and green card holders also hesitate
The caution extends beyond H-1B professionals. Students on F-1 visas, particularly those working under Optional Practical Training, face immense pressure.
“I really want to go see my sister and her new baby, but the risk is too high,” shares Akanksha D., an F-1 visa holder in California who has a large student loan to worry about. “If I cannot re-enter, it will cripple me financially. I considered working remotely through the break, but given the frequently changing rules, I’m canceling my plans to be safe.”
Even green card holders, or legal permanent residents, are proceeding with extreme caution. Following advisories, they are being urged to carry extensive documentation to prove their intent to maintain permanent residence in the U.S. This includes recent pay stubs and employment verification letters, the previous year’s federal income tax return copy (Form 1040, filed as a resident), and proof of active U.S. ties such as bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Immigration experts have also emphasized that green card holders must avoid long absences, with stays over six months potentially triggering extra scrutiny at the port of entry.
The economic and emotional toll
This trend reflects a broader decision by many Indian professionals to stay put, despite the emotional cost of missing major family events. For a community that frequently travels back to India during the holiday corridor between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the reluctance marks a significant shift in travel patterns.
While the desire for cultural exchange and family reunion remains strong, the current immigration climate has forced many to prioritize stability. The consensus across our conversations is clear. Until there is more certainty regarding visa processing and port of entry inspections, the safest place for professionals and students is within American borders.
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