Another bitter news for expatriate Indians living in America. The children of legal immigrants, about 2.50 lakh, are leaving the US. These children, known as 'documented Dreamers', came to the US with their parents on temporary work visas. But now there are concerns that those children are at risk of losing their dependent status due to aging out.

The White House blamed Republicans for the legislative deadlock. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said they proposed a process to help documented Dreamers that Republicans have twice rejected. Lawmakers and advocates have urged action to protect children raised in America.

H4 visa is given to the children of foreign nationals staying in the US under the H1B category. This is valid till the child reaches 21 years of age. At least 2.50 lakh Indian children will have to leave the US when they turn 21. They must obtain a student (F) visa to stay, or move to a new temporary status or return to India. Otherwise, if they lose legal status to stay in the US, they will face actions against them under US law.

According to an analysis of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data by the National Foundation for American Policy, more than 1.2 million Indians, including dependents, are waiting in the first, second and third employment-based green card categories. Meanwhile on June 13, a group of 43 lawmakers led by Senator Alex Padilla, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship and Border Security, and Representative Deborah Ross, urged the Biden administration to take immediate action to protect them.