Student visa: US lawmakers flag delay; urge swift action for Indian students
As the new academic session nears, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) has led a bipartisan group of 14 members of the US House of Representatives in urging the State Department to address delays affecting Indian students seeking visa appointments to study in the United States.
In a letter addressed to secretary of state Marco Rubio, the lawmakers cited concerns raised by research universities in their constituencies regarding Indian students being unable to obtain visas to continue or begin their studies.
'As members of Congress who represent research universities, we are concerned by reports from our constituent universities about Indian students who have been unable to obtain visas to continue their education in the United States,' the letter stated.
The lawmakers highlighted the significant presence and contribution of Indian students in the US, noting that they represent the largest group of international students and contribute $9 billion annually to the US economy. They added that these students are vital to the country's scientific and research community and help maintain its global competitiveness.
'We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked… from continuing their education and research in the United States,' the members wrote.
The letter also underscored the role of research universities in advancing innovation and economic growth, and emphasised the importance of educational exchange in strengthening US-India relations.
The letter was co-signed by Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jim Costa, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Tom Suozzi, Shri Thanedar, Dina Titus, Hank Johnson, Marc Veasey, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Don Bacon, Eric Swalwell, and Brad Sherman.
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