Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty with family memebers (Img: Pinterest)
Georgia: An Indian-origin grandmother who has lived in the United States for nearly three decades has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking concerns over her immigration status.
Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty, a lawful permanent resident and green card holder, was taken into custody on August 11 during a scheduled ICE check-in in North Carolina. She is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Georgia.
The detention came months after an immigration judge had dismissed the government's earlier deportation case against her in May 2026.
Why Was She Facing Deportation Proceedings?
The US government had alleged that Vasamsetty abandoned her permanent residency after she stayed in India for around seven months in 2022.
However, her family and legal team argued that her extended stay was due to personal and medical reasons. They said she had travelled to India to care for her critically ill parents and was later delayed because of COVID-19 complications and hospitalization.
Her lawyers maintain that she never intended to give up her US residency and continued to maintain strong ties to America through her home, job and family.
27 Years In America, No Criminal Record
According to her legal representatives, Vasamsetty has lived in the US for 27 years, worked as a special-needs teacher and has no criminal record.
She is also the mother of two US citizens and grandmother of two US citizen children.
Her lawyer highlighted that she has diabetes and requires regular medical care, including glucose monitoring.
Court Had Earlier Ended Removal Case
Vasamsetty's attorney said the Department of Homeland Security failed to provide required evidence within a court deadline, following which an immigration judge terminated the removal proceedings on May 19, 2026.
Despite that ruling, she was detained when she appeared for a routine ICE appointment.
Her legal team has now filed an emergency petition challenging her detention. A federal judge has asked immigration authorities to explain the legal basis behind keeping her in custody.
What Happens Next?
The court is expected to decide whether Vasamsetty should receive a bond hearing. If the ruling goes in her favour, an immigration judge could consider her release while her case continues.
The case has drawn attention among immigrant communities as it raises questions about how long-term green card holders are treated when they face residency-related disputes.
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