Imagine leaving the US legally with a green card application still pending, and life moved on. But now, months later, you get slapped with a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court for removal.
That is a shocking reality for one student who left America in May 2024 and is now in removal proceedings, even though they’ve been in their home country for over a year.
Also Read – US College Punishes F-1 Student for Falling Sick
Why? Because USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) denied their green card in April 2025 and apparently forgot they’d already left.
Now ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or the court is acting like they overstayed. No one updated the system, and the student’s being treated like they’re still illegally in the US.
Also Read – OPT Rejected Over College’s Absurd SEVIS Blunder
Under Trump’s second term, immigration enforcement is getting aggressive again. If you’re out of the country and USCIS doesn’t know, or pretends not to, you’re on the radar.
This kind of bureaucratic mess can trigger a removal order when you are innocent. As a result, you’ll be banned from re-entering the US unless you fight it.
Also Read – OPT Panic: USCIS Delay Forcing Indian Students Out?
It is best to keep proofs such as flight tickets, foreign leases, job letters, etc. And probably a lawyer to file a motion and shut this down.
