Immigrants Face Arrests During Green Card Interviews, Indian Applicants On Alert

Updated: December 05, 2025 02:17

Image Source : The Times Of India

Recent reports reveal that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun detaining immigrants during marriage-based green card interviews at USCIS offices. The arrests, targeting visa overstays and “removable” individuals, have sparked anxiety among Indian applicants, raising concerns about trust, transparency, and the risks of pursuing residency through family petitions.

Across the United States, marriage-based green card interviews have traditionally been routine administrative steps for foreign spouses seeking permanent residency. However, this process has taken a sharp turn, with immigration lawyers confirming that ICE officers are now detaining applicants who have overstayed visas or are otherwise deemed “removable.” The practice, first reported in San Diego, has quickly spread fear among immigrant communities, including thousands of Indian nationals pursuing family-based adjustment of status.

Key highlights from the announcement include

ICE has begun detaining immigrants during green card interviews at USCIS offices.
At least five spouses of U.S. citizens were arrested in San Diego despite having no criminal records.
The arrests stem from a November 12 internal ICE memo instructing agents to apprehend “removable” individuals presenting themselves at USCIS facilities.
Lawyers warn that Indian nationals, many relying on marriage-based petitions, face heightened risks if they have visa overstays.
The sudden escalation has disrupted trust in the immigration process, with families fearing interviews could lead to detention rather than approval.
Legal experts advise applicants to consult attorneys before attending interviews, especially if they have prior immigration violations.
The move reflects a broader enforcement-first approach, prioritizing removals over administrative processing.

For Indian applicants, the development is particularly concerning. Many rely on marriage-based green card petitions to secure long-term residency, and the possibility of arrest during interviews adds uncertainty to an already complex process. While applicants with clean immigration records remain less vulnerable, those with overstays or prior violations face significant risks.

This shift underscores the growing tension between immigration enforcement and family unification policies. For Indian families navigating the U.S. immigration system, the message is clear: preparation, legal guidance, and awareness of risks are now more critical than ever.

Sources: Indian Express, VisaHQ, Times of India

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