Bizarre Deportations: CBP Cancelling H-1B, F-1?

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has come under fire for reportedly targeting nonimmigrant visa holders like H-1B, F-1, etc, and deporting them without any reason.

An immigration law firm, Banias Law, has accused CBP of unlawfully canceling valid H1B and F1 visas at the airport and then deporting people on the spot. This alleged crackdown not only kicks people out but also slaps a 5-year reentry ban.

While the officials have the authority to cancel nonimmigrant visas, it is only after they have suspected someone for “expedited removal.” The law firm alleges that the CBP has flipped the process, canceling visas first, thus creating a reason for their deportation as they no longer have a valid visa.

Indian nationals, who dominate H1B visa numbers, can be the most affected if this is indeed true. Indian students on F1 visas, too, are at risk, especially those transitioning to H1B.

Lawyers say even those with clean records are being grilled, denied entry, and sent home. Green card holders aren’t fully safe either as one Boston professor aptly summed it up, “Talented, law-abiding people are living in fear.”

Banias Law is calling for legal action as the US authorities continue to make life difficult for global talent.