US pause on visa interviews worries Indian students, expert says relief soon
The US administration has paused all fresh visa interview scheduling for foreign students, causing significant uncertainty and concern amongst thousands of international students, including Indian students, as well as overseas education consultants who assist students in securing admission to universities abroad.With the academic session approaching, many fear that delays could impact their travel plans and university enrolment. However, Viral Doshi, an educational consultant, feels otherwise. He has urged students to remain calm, assuring them that the suspension is temporary and that visa interview slots are expected to reopen soon.advertisementThe pause in visa interview scheduling is being seen as the latest development in a series of measures by the Trump administration aimed at tightening immigration screening.
Doshi believes that students and parents do not need to worry, as the issue will soon be resolved and the US will begin prioritising students who need to start their academic year in August or September."They've only halted the visa interviews; they haven't said that visas will no longer be issued. The process has been paused to allow for the implementation of a social media policy. Once that is finalised, they will resume interviews for all students," Doshi told India Today TV.GIVE SOME TIME, US WILL SORT OUT VISA ISSUE: DOSHIUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that the State Department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants following a review. He recommended that all US consulates worldwide pause the scheduling of such visa appointments.advertisementSocial media vetting involves reviewing a visa applicant's online presence and activity to assess their suitability for entry into the United States.Doshi said, "The issue isn't specific to India — it's happening worldwide. All international students have been impacted by this diktat from the US Secretary of State.""I don't think students need to worry at all. I believe that within the next one or two weeks, once the policy is in place, they will prioritise students who need to be at their universities in August or September. Yes, it's a bit of a concern, but the US also needs international students. Give it some time, they will sort it out," he said.MANY STUDENTS MULLING TO CONSIDER OTHER COUNTRIES: REPORTAccording to reports, some Indian students who planned to study in the US are even considering alternative countries for their education.In light of the US Embassy's warning in New Delhi and the Trump administration's policies on students and immigrants, students from Hyderabad are exploring options in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK, Hyderabad-based newspaper The Siasat Daily reported.Recently, the embassy posted on X, warning that students who drop out, miss classes, or leave their academic programs without notifying their institutions will face consequences.advertisementA student in Hyderabad, preparing for the IELTS exam and planning to pursue a master's degree abroad, revealed on condition of anonymity that he abandoned his US plans due to the changing policies, according to The Siasat Daily. Another student stated that he had already decided to apply to Australia instead of the US.Meanwhile, other Indian students remain determined to fulfil their American dream.Matsya, who spent years preparing for her MSc in Human-Centric Computing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, describes her current state as 'a mix of hope and anxiety.""I don't have a Plan B because this programme aligns perfectly with my academic goals," she told The New Indian Express, emphasising that deferring would be preferable to abandoning her US aspirations entirely.Vignesvern, on the other hand, offers a different perspective. Admitted to Carnegie Mellon University for an MSc in Information Security and Internet of Things (IoT) Engineering, he recently got his visa approved.He describes the approval as "a big weight off my shoulders" but acknowledges that many other students are still waiting and that the situation remains uncertain, The New Indian Express reported.Reports suggest international students injected $43.8 billion into the US economy in 2023-24.A total of 3.31 lakh Indian students were studying in the US in the academic year 2023-24, making up 29.4% of its 11 lakh international student population, according to the Open Doors 2024 report.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Donald Trump's next targets for immigration crackdowns revealed—here's the list
US President Donald Trump's administration has now revealed a broad list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions" for states, cities, and counties it criticises for 'deliberately and shamefully' obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws, as per a report. A List to 'Expose and Hold Accountable' The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly published the list to 'expose lawless jurisdictions and hold them accountable' because they pushed back against federal immigration enforcement, according to DailyBeast report. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, 'These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,' quoted DailyBeast. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo ALSO READ: Donald Trump binges on burgers and fries, but first lady Melania's favorite food will surprise you! Noem also mentioned that, 'We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law,' as quoted in the report. Live Events What Are Sanctuary Jurisdictions? The DailyBeast wrote in its report, "Sanctuary jurisdictions—such as entire states like California and major cities including New York City and Chicago—are typically Democrat-run areas that limit or deny cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This includes refusing to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before releasing undocumented migrants from custody." Donald Trump's Promise of Mass Deportations According to DailyBeast, those who are named on the list would get a formal notification from the Trump administration about their alleged noncompliance with federal laws, and DHS would also demand that these jurisdictions 'immediately review and revise their policies' to align with the US president's immigration agenda. This comes as Trump has promised to conduct what he has boasted will be the largest deportation of undocumented migrants in American history during his second term in the White House, as per the report. Democratic Governors Push Back While, a Democrat, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, said, 'It is important for local law enforcement to continue to fully cooperate with other state and federal agencies on criminal matters, including the execution of warrants. In fact, this is their duty,' adding, 'But to be clear, state and local law enforcement cannot be commandeered to enforce federal civil immigration laws and taken away from fighting crime,' quoted DailyBeast. FAQs What happens to places on the list? They'll receive formal warnings and be asked to change their laws to support Trump's immigration agenda. Which places are on the list? Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and entire states such as California and Colorado have been named.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
US Speaker reacts to Indian-American Megha Vemuri's pro-Palestine speech: 'Have your children avoid MIT'
Speaker Mike Johnson reacted to Indian-origin Megha Vemuri's pro-Palestine speech at the commencement ceremony and called it ignorant, hateful and morally bankrupt. Johnson also took MIT to task as he questioned why the institute has not properly responded to it. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Speaker was reacting to a post by MAGA commentator Megyn Kelly who criticized Vemuri's apathy to the Jewish students attending the ceremony. "have your children avoid MIT & the Ivy League at all costs," Johnson wrote. "So this woman hijacks the MIT graduation to make the whole thing about her personal beliefs about Israel, any insult to the Jewish students or others in attendance be damned. Selfish, self-aggrandizing, disrespectful & RUDE," Megyn Kelly wrote on X as Megha Vemuri's speech condemning her alma mater for its Israeli ties drew mixed response -- several of her classmates cheered and also protested Friday as MIT banned Vemuri from attending the rest of the event. MAGA commentators, some Indian commentators and many Jewish students criticized Vemuri and questioned why she needed to do that. Vemuri gave a different speech to the MIT administration which was approved but on the stage, she delivered a different one praising her classmates for protesting against Israel. "Last spring, MIT's undergraduate body and graduate student union voted overwhelmingly to cut ties with the genocidal Israeli military. You called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. And you stood in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian activists on campus. You faced threats, intimidation and suppression coming from all directions, especially your own university officials," Vemuri said. Jewish students walked out of the speech as Vemuri accused MIT of being complicit in the "ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people". What MIT said on Vemuri's speech Vemuri was barred from attending the rest of the event while MIT said they support free expression but they don't stand by what Vemuri did. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "With regard to MIT's Commencement 2025 activities, the speech delivered by a graduating senior at Thursday's OneMIT Commencement Ceremony was not the one that was provided by the speaker in advance. While that individual had a scheduled role at today's Undergraduate Degree Ceremony, she was notified that she would not be permitted at today's events," an MIT spokesperson said Friday. "MIT supports free expression but stands by its decision, which was in response to the individual deliberately and repeatedly misleading Commencement organizers and leading a protest from the stage, disrupting an important Institute ceremony," MIT said.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
CM Nayab Singh Saini urges citizens to follow Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy to realize PM Modi's vision of a developed India
Kurukshetra: Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday called upon citizens to follow in the footsteps of Ahilyabai Holkar, pledging to serve society and ensure education and equal rights for girls, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at a grand state-level celebration of the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar at Pipli in Kurukshetra, CM Saini said the revered queen was not just a ruler but a living embodiment of woman power who broke social barriers during an era when women were denied education and independence. To commemorate her legacy, the Chief Minister announced the construction of a museum dedicated to Ahilyabai on a two-acre land parcel, where youth can learn about her life and contributions. Additionally, a gateway in her name will be built in a city or village, with the consensus of the Pal-Gaderia community. CM Saini also pledged Rs 31 lakh from his discretionary fund for the Pal-Gaderia Dharamshala in Kurukshetra. Cabinet ministers and MPs, including Krishan Lal Panwar and Naveen Jindal, also pledged Rs 11 lakh each for the cause. Highlighting Ahilyabai Holkar's nation-building efforts, Saini noted her contribution to the reconstruction of major pilgrimage sites including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Mathura, Ayodhya, Badrinath, and Rameshwaram. In recognition of her work, her statue was unveiled at Kashi Vishwanath Temple by in 2019. Saini praised the valor and leadership of Indian women in contemporary times, citing the recent Operation Sindoor where Indian Armed Forces, under PM Modi's command, destroyed terrorist hideouts in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He lauded the vital roles played by officers Vyomika Singh and Sophia Qureshi. The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to equitable development under the 'Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek' initiative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He highlighted welfare schemes such as free monthly food rations to 49 lakh BPL families, over 15 lakh free LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana, and affordable gas cylinders at Rs 500. Healthcare initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu scheme were also emphasized, providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to over 20 lakh patients, including senior citizens. Through the Dayalu Yojana, Rs 5 lakh financial aid is offered in cases of death or disability for low-income families. To uplift backward classes, the state has formed a dedicated commission, extended 27% reservation in education and jobs, and raised the creamy layer income limit from Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh. Educational incentives include free schooling up to Class 12, scholarships, and waived university fees for girls. Marking World No Tobacco Day, CM Saini urged citizens to reject addiction and commit to health, service, and values. 'Let us pledge today to root out substance abuse and work toward a healthier society,' he concluded.
