VOI World/ Desk
A new U.S. bill, backed by the White House, is advancing through Congress that would allow deportation or denial of entry for Green Card and visa holders based on driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, no matter how minor or long ago they occurred.
Currently, low-level DUI offenses generally do not trigger immigration penalties. However, the proposed Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act (H.R. 875), passed by the House and under Senate review, would change that. With this law, a single DUI offense – even an admission without conviction – could result in removal proceedings.
This has sparked deep concern among Indian immigrants in the U.S., including students, professionals, and permanent residents. Advocacy groups warn that the law could upend lives by eliminating due process, with no hearings or warnings. “A DUI could get Green Card holders deported, even from ten years ago,” noted immigration attorney Joseph Tsang.
Legal experts argue the bill abandons principles of proportionality and fails to consider rehabilitation or context. It also targets individuals who only admitted to past conduct—even if charges were dropped or settled.
The bill’s sweeping reach could affect hundreds of thousands of Indian-origin Green Card and visa holders across the U.S., prompting calls for discretion and caution in its enforcement.
