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As the new immigration policy of the United States raises concerns among Bangladeshi immigrants, a US-based lawyer has advised them to be legally prepared and comply with updated immigration rules.
Moin Chowdhury, Chairperson of Immigrants International, USA, offered the advice at a press briefing at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Monday.
He suggested that Bangladeshis keep their documents updated, avoid prolonged stays outside the US, and consult experienced lawyers to understand the new rules.
Chowdhury warned that even green card and visa holders could face consequences under the new immigration policy.
“If a green card holder stays outside the US for more than ten months in a year, they risk losing their permanent residence status,” he said.
The immigration lawyer also talked about the deportation of Bangladeshis, especially those living in the US without legal status.
As the number of undocumented Bangladeshis is high in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, diplomatic talks are underway to ensure their dignified home return, he added.
Addressing the ongoing delay in student visa processing at the US Embassy in Dhaka, Chowdhury said it is happening due to a backlog of F-1 visa appointment requests.
The situation could worsen in the future, he said, reasoning that additional administrative checks have recently been introduced.
The lawyer called on students to tender their visa applications on time and seek legal assistance properly to minimise such delay in their visa processing.
He also noted that family reunification cases and employment-based visas, such as H-1B and H-2B, are facing growing backlogs due to limited interview availability and stricter checks.
For this reason, he urged applicants to be prepared for longer waiting times alongside keeping their documents well prepared.
However, for those having difficulty getting US visas for study or work, Chowdhury suggested alternative destinations such as Canada, the UK, or Australia where the process might be easier.
He noted that the Immigrants International, USA plans to open additional legal aid centres and host online information sessions in both Dhaka and New York to support Bangladeshi diaspora.
Deputy Attorney General Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Red Cross Society Jamil Ahmed, and Member of the Jatiya Press Club Managing Committee Shahnaz Poly, among others, were present at briefing.
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