Strict Visa Rules Keep Telugu Families Apart This Sankranthi!

Sankranthi is the biggest festival for Telugu people, traditionally marked by returning home to celebrate with family and friends. This year, however, stricter US visa norms introduced under US President Donald Trump have prevented many Telugu expatriates from travelling to their hometowns. Students, professionals, and business travellers in the US chose to avoid travel amid fears of re-entry complications, resulting in a subdued festive season away from home.

Students on academic visas, professionals working under OPT, and even green card holders are exercising caution due to uncertainty over timelines and employer advisories. Several companies have reportedly warned employees to return within stipulated periods or risk job security. As a result, many expatriates conveyed their helplessness to parents back home, expressing their desire to celebrate but inability to travel. Despite the distance, members of the Telugu diaspora continue to support village development initiatives and extended festival wishes from afar.