RAJAHMUNDRY: A prolonged stay in India to visit her ailing father eventually became the basis for immigration proceedings against Venkata Narasamamba Vasamsetty, a US legal permanent resident.She had lived in the US for nearly three decades before she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 11.Narasamamba, 57, travelled to India in July 2022 as her father’s health deteriorated. She contracted Covid-19 during the visit and was hospitalised, delaying her return to the US by more than six months.She eventually returned to the US in February 2023, after spending around seven months outside the country.
Venkata’s family said that she had frequently travelled to India to visit her ailing father.
How the prolonged stay triggered an immigration case
According to information shared by her family, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raised questions over whether Narasamamba had abandoned her permanent US residency because of her extended absence from the country.For a Green Card holder, an absence of more than six months from the US can raise questions about whether the person intended to abandon their permanent residence.In Narasamamba’s case, DHS alleged that her extended stay in India indicated such an intention.She was allowed to remain in the US while the immigration case proceeded and was required to report regularly to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Charlotte.Narasamamba’s family said she complied with every scheduled check-in and provided documents to establish that she had never intended to give up her home, family, employment or permanent residency in the US.
Immigration judge’s rule
The case eventually collapsed after the government failed to substantiate its allegations within the court’s deadline.On May 19, the immigration judge found that the government could not provide “clear and convincing evidence” that Narasamamba was removable as charged and terminated the removal proceedings.The ruling effectively left her as a lawful permanent resident.However, her ICE check-ins continued. Her family said that when she reported for a scheduled appointment on July 11 carrying a copy of the judge’s order, she was asked to return the following month as ICE records had not been updated and her attorney was unavailable.
Detained despite case being terminated
On August 11, Narasamamba returned to the Charlotte ICE office with her daughter for the scheduled appointment.According to her family, she was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia.Her detention came despite the earlier termination of her removal proceedings, prompting her family to question the circumstances surrounding the fresh custody action.Narasamamba’s family has also raised concerns about her treatment in detention, saying she was handcuffed and transported in a closed van. They have sought assistance from the Indian Embassy in the US and the Ministry of External Affairs.A federal court in Georgia later granted her bail, bringing relief to her family while questions remain over the circumstances of her detention.
A teacher and mother who built a life in the US
Narasamamba moved to the US in 1999 after her husband, a software professional, had already settled there.She obtained her Green Card in 2013 and worked as a teacher with the Wake County Public School System in North Carolina.She and her husband raised two daughters in the US. One is a doctor, while the other is an immigration lawyer. Her daughters and grandchildren are US citizens.Narasamamba has lived in the US for nearly three decades, while continuing to maintain close ties with India through frequent visits to see her ailing father.
- Frequent India visits became a liability: Venkata’s family says her repeated trips to India to care for her ailing father eventually became the issue behind her detention despite her long-term US residency.
- Bail hearing raises a discrimination allegation: Her family claims prosecutors strongly opposed Venkata’s release while not opposing bail in eight cases involving Mexican nationals accused of illegally crossing the US border.
- A life built in the US: Venkata moved there in 1999 after her software-professional husband had settled in the country and has since built a life there, including a teaching career and raising two daughters.
- Family questions detention conditions: Relatives allege Venkata was handcuffed and transported in a closed van to a Georgia detention facility, where they claim living conditions were poor.
- From an Andhra village to an American school system: Venkata’s journey spans nearly three decades, from Konaseema to a teaching job with the Wake County Public School System.
