27 years in US, valid Green Card: Why US detained Indian-origin grandma
The development comes after the federal government alleged that the woman had abandoned her permanent residency after spending several months in India in 2022.
A 27-year resident of the United States, Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty, was recently detained by ICE despite holding a valid Green Card since 2013. The grandmother of two was apprehended on August 11 during a routine check-in with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). An immigration judge had previously dismissed proceedings seeking her removal from the United States.
According to immigration attorney Zoe Wilson, Vasamsetty traveled to India in 2022 to care for her critically ill parents and was unable to return due to COVID-19 and related health complications. She returned to the US through Raleigh-Durham International Airport in February 2023 after being absent for about seven months. Despite her extensive time in the US, Vasamsetty's detention is based on allegations that she abandoned her lawful permanent residency.
Her family and attorney argue that she maintained her US residence while abroad, purchased a home in North Carolina, and completed the purchase before returning to India. Despite her lack of criminal history, extensive ties to the US, and support from her attorney, Vasamsetty remains detained pending further judicial review.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
