Why Indian parents were denied entry to the US despite visit visa

Dubai: The tightening of US immigration rules under President Donald Trump’s second term has raised fresh concerns within the Indian community, fuelling uncertainty about future travel to the United States.

A recent incident at Newark Airport in New Jersey has brought these concerns to the forefront. An Indian couple visiting their children on B-1/B-2 visitor visas was denied entry for failing to provide return tickets — an unexpected requirement reportedly introduced under the US’s 2025 immigration regulations.

The couple had planned a five-month stay but were informed by immigration officers that return tickets were now mandatory. Despite their attempts to explain, they were sent back to India from the airport.

No prior announcement

This incident has left many puzzled, as no prior announcement about the new rule had been made. However, it also raises an important point: The airline that carried them should have been aware of this requirement. Had the airline ensured the couple had return tickets before boarding in India, they could have avoided this traumatic experience.

• Entering the United States

• A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a US port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, according to the US Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.

• Additional information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.

• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

• A valid US visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Some airlines do require a return ticket when travelling on a visit visa to Western countries. It is not known which airline the couple flew with to Newark.

The sudden enforcement of this regulation has raised broader concerns among travellers. Many are now wondering what other unforeseen measures might follow, especially given the lack of clear communication from US immigration authorities.

Unpredictable policy changes

This lack of transparency has created unease within the Indian diaspora and beyond, as foreign visitors grapple with unpredictable policy changes.

In response, the Indian government has urged travellers to exercise extra caution, according to reports in the Indian media. Ensuring all documentation — such as return tickets and proof of travel plans — is up to date before departure has become critical.

Travellers are also advised to consult official government websites and travel agents to stay informed about the latest immigration policies.

The incident has generated a lot of debate online, with many claiming that a return ticket for visitors is a standard requirement.

Amplifying concerns

With potential changes to the H-1B visa programme and other regulations under consideration, the Indian community is increasingly anxious about what might come next. Trump’s reputation for enforcing strict immigration rules only amplifies these concerns.

This incident serves as a reminder for all travellers to double-check their documentation before flying. As uncertainty looms over US immigration policies, especially with new and unforeseen rules possibly being implemented at ports of entry, it’s crucial to ensure that all travel requirements are met to avoid similar situations.