Travel risks for Indians to the USA: Call for an updated GOI advisory

Time of India

3 days ago

V. Raghunathan is a former Director of the Schulich School of Business (India Program), York University, Toronto, a former professor at IIM Ahmedabad and a former President of ING Vysya Bank. A prolific author, he has written over 15 books, including the national bestseller Games Indians Play (Penguin). With more than 600 published papers and articles, his latest books include The Lion, The Admiral, and A Cat Called B. Uma Vijaylakshmi (Westland, 2025) and To Every Parent; To Every Child (Penguin, 2025) and Irrationally Rational: 10 Nobel Laureates Script the Story of Behavioural Economics (Penguin 2022), among others. LESS ... MORE
The US government has periodically issued travel advisories for its citizens visiting India, mainly highlighting safety concerns, terrorism in crowded areas, petty crime, scams, health risks, political unrest, travel restrictions, and natural disasters. India often appears to Americans as a risky place, even warranting hardship allowances for their expatriates here. Now, perhaps the risks faced by Indians traveling to the US far surpass those they encounter in India, and it is high time the government of India started issuing regular advisories for its citizens heading to the land of the 'free'.
Despite the allure of higher education, tourism, and family visits, the US has become a minefield of complex laws, social challenges, and unpredictable border policies. Even obtaining a visa can feel like auditioning for 'America's Next Top Suspicion,' with visas rejected on vague grounds of 'immigrant intent,' and entry into the US more perilous than sneaking into Central Park after dark. Indian travellers should be warned about the power of CBP officers to deny entry based on vague feelings, incomplete stories, or the fact that their hair looks suspiciously non-American. Cases of Indians turned back at airports, facing humiliation and trauma with lasting impacts on their records, should be widely documented and publicised.
For better or worse, the United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Indians seeking higher education, tourism, family visits, or business opportunities. Yet, beneath the allure of the American dream lurk numerous risks that need highlighting to protect our citizens traveling to what was once considered the land of opportunity. The rapidly changing landscape of US immigration laws, coupled with cultural and social challenges, has been turning the US into a minefield that can ensnare the unwary.
Citizens must be made aware that visas can be revoked even after issuance if there is suspicion of violating its terms. They should also be warned that not all US educational institutions are centres of high learning; some have accreditation comparable to roadside pani-puri stands and are more rule than exception. Once revoked, getting back into the US becomes nearly impossible, as fairness, reason, or common sense no longer seem to apply. Additionally, students should be warned that US authorities may be laying active traps, especially since some colleges operate solely to facilitate entry rather than provide genuine education. The notorious fake 'University of Farmington,' set up as a sting operation, exemplifies this danger. Our students must be cautioned to verify the legitimacy and accreditation of educational institutions, as many lack the awareness or resources to do so.
Furthermore, they should be made wary of the fluid and unpredictable nature of US immigration policies. Rules governing programs like OPT, H-1B, or SEVIS change faster than British weather in October, as if especially designed to confuse Indians. One day, they might be allowed to work after graduation; the next, they could be deemed criminals for trying to do the same legally. Our prospective students must understand that restrictions on post-study work, retroactive enforcement, and the requirement to finish education within the original timeframe can suddenly derail their career plans in this land of unpredictable policies called the USA.
It should be drummed into our travellers that overstaying a visa is most injurious to health. Even a few days' inadvertent overstay can trigger bans of three or ten years, complicating future travel not only to the US but also to other countries that share immigration data. So, that extra week of 'living the American dream' could cost our citizens their future plans. Ignorance isn't bliss; it's a one-way ticket to bureaucratic hell. They must track the expiry date of their visas as if their lives depend on it.
They also need to be forewarned that even after landing in the US, celebrations will have to wait. They are now vulnerable to scams. If fraudsters impersonate immigration officials or IRS agents knocking on doors early mornings or demanding money under threats of deportation, they've entered scamsters' paradise. Tell them about the recent deployment of ICE officers in tactical gear, complete with balaclavas, which has further encouraged scammers, turning naïve travellers into sitting ducks. Warn them that the lonely, unfamiliar, and naïve are the favourite targets of American con artists.
Our citizens should be advised that while the US is largely a melting pot, it also has a spicy side- racial profiling, hate crimes, and xenophobia. Those in traditional attire or speaking in their native language are more likely to be targeted. That's why our advisory should urge travellers to stay alert, know their rights, and avoid feeding the trolls.
Healthcare should also be a key point. Our travellers need to know that the US has no universal and affordable healthcare system like India. Medical treatment is prohibitively expensive, and without comprehensive insurance, even a simple case of the flu could cost more than an entire semester's tuition. Travel insurance will almost never be enough in emergencies. Ensuring proper health coverage through educational institutions or reputable providers is vital, especially given the high costs of medical care.
Let citizens know that financial surprises could worsen these difficulties. The cost of living in the US- including rent, utilities, transportation, and food, can far exceed initial estimates. If currency exchange rates fluctuate, last-minute changes occur, or emergency trips are needed, a traveller might find themselves wishing they had a second job just to cover their phone bill. Wait carefully for remittances from India, as they could be delayed or diminish in value, adding to financial stress.
Be warned, US authorities are known to take a 'guilt by association' approach- so, ensure you don't hang out with the wrong crowd. Trusting WhatsApp forwards, social media groups, or friends could lead to trouble faster than filth attracts flies. Such sources often contain outdated or inaccurate information, risking inadvertent violations like working illegally or misrepresenting intent during visa interviews. These mistakes can carry severe legal consequences, including bans or deportation.
While the Indian government issues broad travel advisories, they often lack the detail needed to navigate the complex US immigration landscape described above. Given the myriad risks, from legal violations and scams to health emergencies and discrimination, India must develop a comprehensive, updated advisory tailored specifically for its citizens traveling to the US. The government of India needs to perk up the US travel advisory. And fast.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.