The U.S. immigration landscape is witnessing significant changes under the Trump administration, which has reinforced its strict monitoring of visa holders. On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of State confirmed via its official X account that visa holders are subject to continuous monitoring even after their visas are issued. The statement reflects the administration's ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and immigration rules.
According to the U.S. Department of State, "The visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. Visa holders are continuously monitored to ensure they comply with all U.S. laws and immigration rules." The implication of this policy is clear: non-compliance could lead to the revocation of visas or even deportation. This has raised alarms among many visa holders, particularly international workers and students.
Immigration attorneys are now advising temporary visa holders to reconsider travel plans. Kripa Upadhyay, an immigration attorney based in Seattle, emphasized the need for caution, stating, "Foreign nationals (especially those needing renewal of H-1B or F-1 visa stamps) really need to think twice about leaving the US right now." The complexities are especially pronounced for international students on F-1 visas who wish to transition to H-1B visas, as delays in obtaining interview slots could jeopardize their legal status.
The situation is equally tense for Green Card holders, especially those with extended trips outside the U.S. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), individuals returning from abroad after more than 180 days are typically treated as seeking re-admission, which can lead to heightened scrutiny regarding their residency status. Prolonged stays can be interpreted as an abandonment of residency, which raises concerns for those who travel frequently.
Reports indicate that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have been applying pressure on Green Card holders, sometimes compelling them to sign Form I-407 to voluntarily surrender their residency status. Ashwin Sharma, a Florida-based immigration attorney, noted that he has seen elderly Indian Green Card holders targeted by CBP, stating, "I have personally handled cases where CBP has targeted elderly Indian Green Card holders, particularly grandparents who have spent a bit longer outside the US." He recounted instances where individuals were threatened with detention or removal if they resisted signing the form.
While the Trump administration is focused on cracking down on illegal immigration, critics argue that more needs to be done to remedy the outdated legal immigration system. A recent study released by the Pioneer Institute, conducted by Professor Joshua Bedi from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, highlights that America has missed out on over 500,000 jobs and 150,000 new businesses between 2013 and 2021 due to sluggish immigration processes. Professor Bedi stated, "U.S. policymakers are not taking advantage of the plentiful opportunities these immigrants offer." He pointed out that the last significant overhaul of immigration policy occurred nearly 40 years ago, with the Immigration Reform and Control Act signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.
This sluggishness in immigration reform poses a genuine threat to both individual entrepreneurs and the U.S. economy as a whole. Legal immigrants are notably 80% more likely to start businesses compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. This entrepreneurship is especially evident in Massachusetts, which boasts a significant number of Fortune 500 companies founded by first- or second-generation immigrants. In total, these enterprises accounted for around 900,000 jobs and continued to contribute dramatically to the state economy, pulling in revenues around $300 billion.
In terms of local impact, immigrants in Boston alone reportedly spent about $4 billion and contributed $1.3 billion in state and federal taxes, translating to roughly 25,000 jobs within the city. Furthermore, there are more than 8,800 immigrant-owned small businesses creating another 17,000 jobs and boosting the local economy with around $3.7 billion in annual sales.
However, current immigration laws complicate the process for newcomers seeking to launch businesses. The U.S. visa system features over 180 convoluted entry routes, with many visa categories imposing restrictions on work, making it challenging for immigrants to establish businesses immediately. Jim Stergios, the executive director of the Pioneer Institute, underscored the urgency of addressing both illegal and legal immigration simultaneously, arguing, "While the administration focuses on stemming illegal immigration, we must also fix the chaotic patchwork of rules blocking legal entrepreneurs — people ready to contribute to our economy and society."
The combination of stricter enforcement policies and outdated immigration processes presents a complicated landscape for current and prospective immigrants. As the Trump administration navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how future policies will adapt or change to accommodate the needs of both the economy and immigrant communities navigating this uncertain terrain.
