Leave the US with dignity

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay yesterday urged Bhutanese overstaying their visas in the United States to return home voluntarily. While presenting the State of the Nation Report, Lyonchhen reminded Bhutanese living in the US of the serious consequences of remaining in the country illegally, particularly amid heightened immigration enforcement.

This warning comes in the wake of the US administration issuing notices to embassies, permanent missions, and consulates, urging foreign nationals residing illegally in the country to leave voluntarily or face action. Since President Donald Trump took office, immigration has been a key priority for the US., often leading to swift and strict enforcement. People have been chased, arrested, handcuffed, and deported—sometimes without even getting the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified operations, even targeting some green card holders in specific cases.

Bhutanese nationals must heed the Prime Minister’s appeal, especially as he has assured assistance and a warm welcome to those who choose to return voluntarily. The foreign ministry and the Permanent Mission of Bhutan in the US has been informed about Bhutanese nationals overstaying their visas and has been asked to advise them to leave the country on their own accord. The growing pressure is real, and it is prudent for the Bhutanese government to act before the situation escalates.

Some individuals are already considering returning home, while others believe the warning will eventually blow over. However, the consequences go beyond deportation. As Lyonchhen emphasised, violations of immigration laws damage Bhutan’s international image—an image cultivated over decades as a peaceful, happy, and law-abiding nation. This situation also unfolds at a time when Bhutan is actively promoting itself as an investment and innovation hub, with ambitious projects like the Gelephu Mindfulness City drawing global interest.

ICE’s aggressive deportation efforts have strained diplomatic ties with various countries. Bhutan, although responsible for a relatively small number of visa overstayers, cannot afford to compromise its relationship with the US A small group of individuals must not jeopardise broader national interests. Many Bhutanese aspire to study at prestigious universities or travel as diplomats and business leaders to gain global exposure. If ICE begins targeting Bhutanese nationals, even after warnings, it could damage future opportunities and tarnish the country’s reputation.

As the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, respecting U.S. immigration laws is essential. We enforce similar policies. Foreigners found overstaying are penalised and sent home. It is only fair to honor the laws of other nations in the same spirit.

The US government has made it clear that this crackdown is not politically motivated but a matter of visa compliance. A 2023 report from the US Department of Homeland Security revealed a worrying trend: 26.6 percent of Bhutanese students and exchange visitors overstayed their visas, while 12.7 percent of business and tourist visitors exceeded their permitted stay. This marks a 37 percent rise in visa violations over the past year.

The government is, for now, requesting overstayers to leave voluntarily. If they are caught evading ICE, it will not only be a personal ordeal but also a national embarrassment. Alarmingly, a significant number of those overstaying entered the US as part of business or official delegations or with diplomatic groups, only to remain in pursuit of personal gain.

Now is the time to act. The Prime Minister is offering help and an open door. If deportations begin, there will be little the government can do. Those affected might want to choose dignity and return home before it’s too late.