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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump administration halts new student visa interviews, causing anxiety among Indian aspirants
The Donald Trump administration's latest diktat to halt new student visa interviews is exacerbating already-elevated anxiety levels among Indian aspirants. The US President is increasingly being seen as hostile towards international students. While visa appointments will be honoured for students whose dates are fixed, those who are still to book slots are clueless about how long the wait will prevail. Working professionals—many of them B-school candidates—who had quit jobs in India ahead of their planned US move in August, are under even greater stress. Overseas studies consultants said while some clarity is expected in the coming weeks, those keen to study in the US can, for now, only wait while staying in regular touch with institutes. Trump has locked horns with some top institutes, including Harvard, accusing some of enabling anti-semitism on campus. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) A US embassy spokesperson in India on Wednesday said aspirants may continue to submit applications but embassies would adjudicate cases in full compliance with law, including to ensure applicants do not pose a security or safety risk. 'No on e is sure for how long the pause is on, but various stakeholders at NAFSA have been saying it can take around two weeks before clarification comes,' said Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at education consultancy IDP. Live Events NAFSA, an association of international educators, is currently holding the world's largest trade fair for higher education in San Diego, US. IDP, one of the top companies in the business, has seen a 20% drop in US applications so far this year, with sentiment worsening in the past four five months. 'Hopefully, new visa slots will open. I'm advising students not to panic because there's still twoand-a-half months before they need to head out,' said Kumar. Of IDP's students, 75% have a visa slot but the rest could be held up following the new order. Meanwhile, many are firming up Plan B — exploring other destinations for higher studies, especially in Europe. Prashant Tibrewal, founder of Alum-n-i, said a client has applied to a leading French university and is fairly convinced of heading there, despite securing admission to one of the top 10 US universities. Another client, an MIT MBA admit, plans to spend the coming year at her data science firm, treating it as a chance to deepen her work experience. Students who applied in the early application rounds have been able to secure their visa and are all set to fly, but a few remain in limbo. Additionally, not everyone has a back-up plan. Tibrewal said a Harvard-bound Masters candidate- —who worked with his company this year—had quit his job, but is now unsure if he can even look for other roles while he waits. Treading cautiously Consultants are also actively advising students to audit social media profiles and remove or make private any content that could be misinterpreted. 'US consular officers are being instructed to apply heightened scrutiny to online behaviour, which could include posts or even likes that appear hostile to the US, or supportive of extremist ideologies — even if posted by others. We're encouraging students to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance if unsure,' said Kunal Mehra, chief executive at Crimson Education India. 'In many cases, we're also directing them to legal resources, so they fully understand the implications. Awareness and proactive caution are the best defences in this climate of increased digital scrutiny,' he added. 'This is showing up in social media forums, where there's been a marked decline in people saying anything negative about the US,' noted Karan Gupta, founder of the eponymous career consultancy. 'Many who were heading to the US this fall don't want to derail plans if possible. But those who have admissions in other countries are keeping those alive. They will switch over later if things don't improve.' Students need to be careful, stressed Sukanya Raman, country head for India at global immigration-focused law firm Davies & Associates llc. 'This administrative action is part of broader efforts of scrutiny on students who want to enter the US.' Raman added that there could be a possibility that American universities would join hands and push back against Trump's directive. 'Otherwise, this could impact the US as a whole—the fees that international students bring in—the talent that adds so much value to US companies and the economy,' she said. Since coming to power, the Trump administration has frozen billions of dollars in funding for US universities and ramped up deportations and student visa revocations. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said recently the number of visas he has revoked was probably in thousands. However, many of these actions are facing legal hurdles. Harvard University, which sued the government after it revoked Harvard's ability to enrol international students, had a federal judge blocking the move with a temporary restraining order. However, Trump has continued with action against the Ivy league institution, most recently moving to cut $100 million in federal contracts.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Trump administration halts new student visa interviews, causing anxiety among Indian aspirants
The Donald Trump administration's latest diktat to halt new student visa interviews is exacerbating already-elevated anxiety levels among Indian aspirants. The US President is increasingly being seen as hostile towards international students. While visa appointments will be honoured for students whose dates are fixed, those who are still to book slots are clueless about how long the wait will prevail. Working professionals—many of them B-school candidates—who had quit jobs in India ahead of their planned US move in August, are under even greater stress. Overseas studies consultants said while some clarity is expected in the coming weeks, those keen to study in the US can, for now, only wait while staying in regular touch with institutes. Trump has locked horns with some top institutes, including Harvard, accusing some of enabling anti-semitism on campus. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) A US embassy spokesperson in India on Wednesday said aspirants may continue to submit applications but embassies would adjudicate cases in full compliance with law, including to ensure applicants do not pose a security or safety risk. 'No on e is sure for how long the pause is on, but various stakeholders at NAFSA have been saying it can take around two weeks before clarification comes,' said Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at education consultancy IDP. NAFSA, an association of international educators, is currently holding the world's largest trade fair for higher education in San Diego, one of the top companies in the business, has seen a 20% drop in US applications so far this year, with sentiment worsening in the past four five months. 'Hopefully, new visa slots will open. I'm advising students not to panic because there's still twoand-a-half months before they need to head out,' said Kumar. Of IDP's students, 75% have a visa slot but the rest could be held up following the new order. Meanwhile, many are firming up Plan B — exploring other destinations for higher studies, especially in Europe. Prashant Tibrewal, founder of Alum-n-i, said a client has applied to a leading French university and is fairly convinced of heading there, despite securing admission to one of the top 10 US client, an MIT MBA admit, plans to spend the coming year at her data science firm, treating it as a chance to deepen her work who applied in the early application rounds have been able to secure their visa and are all set to fly, but a few remain in limbo. Additionally, not everyone has a back-up plan. Tibrewal said a Harvard-bound Masters candidate- —who worked with his company this year—had quit his job, but is now unsure if he can even look for other roles while he cautiously Consultants are also actively advising students to audit social media profiles and remove or make private any content that could be misinterpreted.'US consular officers are being instructed to apply heightened scrutiny to online behaviour, which could include posts or even likes that appear hostile to the US, or supportive of extremist ideologies — even if posted by others. We're encouraging students to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance if unsure,' said Kunal Mehra, chief executive at Crimson Education India.'In many cases, we're also directing them to legal resources, so they fully understand the implications. Awareness and proactive caution are the best defences in this climate of increased digital scrutiny,' he added.'This is showing up in social media forums, where there's been a marked decline in people saying anything negative about the US,' noted Karan Gupta, founder of the eponymous career consultancy. 'Many who were heading to the US this fall don't want to derail plans if possible. But those who have admissions in other countries are keeping those alive. They will switch over later if things don't improve.'Students need to be careful, stressed Sukanya Raman, country head for India at global immigration-focused law firm Davies & Associates llc. 'This administrative action is part of broader efforts of scrutiny on students who want to enter the US.'Raman added that there could be a possibility that American universities would join hands and push back against Trump's directive. 'Otherwise, this could impact the US as a whole—the fees that international students bring in—the talent that adds so much value to US companies and the economy,' she said. Since coming to power, the Trump administration has frozen billions of dollars in funding for US universities and ramped up deportations and student visa revocations. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said recently the number of visas he has revoked was probably in thousands. However, many of these actions are facing legal hurdles. Harvard University, which sued the government after it revoked Harvard's ability to enrol international students, had a federal judge blocking the move with a temporary restraining order. However, Trump has continued with action against the Ivy league institution, most recently moving to cut $100 million in federal contracts.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
The 600th Day Of Genocide Is No Time For Words!
In the 86th week of genocide, 24 countries have objected to Israel's escalating violence. They call for the restoration of real, sufficient, life-saving aid to which Palestinians have a right – not the mercenary coverlet which would enable Netanyahu's final solution. After 62,000 Palestinian deaths, according to a UN press release on 19 May, Israel is inflicting conditions of life on Palestinians increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza as a group. Furthermore, the pattern of strikes on Internally Displaced People's (IDP) tents and residential buildings, as well as on crowded hospitals, indicates that little, if any, care is being taken to protect the lives of civilians in Gaza, while reports of the use of weapons with wide area effects suggest deliberate, indiscriminate attacks. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation is beyond description. Make no mistake: Our governments have always held the power to end this onslaught. But our states are speaking fine words while they arm and normalise Israel's crimes. Every day that they delay, Israel kills another 35 children. Foreign ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain have expressed grave concern, but not so grave as to discontinue Israel's participation in 'security' programmes under the EU-Israel Cooperation Agreement. And, heaven forbid, not so grave as to eject Israel from the Eurovision song contest. A joint statement by UK, France, and Canada on 19 May vowed, 'We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions.' They have stood by for another week since then. Another 629 Gazan Palestinians including nine journalists have been killed. Gazans are obtaining, on average, 67% of the calories they need to survive while the UK, France and Canada continue to stand by. Even in South Africa, Glencore continues to send coal to Israel. For 19 months these states have done nothing to alter their relationships with Israel, or to impact the normal flows of trade and treatment. They have not enacted their responsibilities as outlined by world courts, nor have they brought the slightest real pressure to bear in defence of two million trapped civilians. Such steps are not mere tokens. Israel can live without our approval as individuals. However, Israel cannot live in the style to which it is accustomed without European, North American, and other diplomatic indulgence, interactions, and normalcy. Israel's colonisation and genocide is predicated on impunity, in which Western governments collude. Historically, the withdrawal of diplomatic permission has been the brake that ended Israel's assaults on the Gaza Strip. In 2015, Israel's Office of the State Comptroller published its assessment of Israel's 2014 bombardment of Gaza. Israeli newspapers called the report 'scathing' 'scalding… blistering'. Among its criticisms: Israel bombed Gaza for fifty days without consistent objectives to focus and limit its use of violence. Israel's security cabinet and IDF periodically paused to assess the war's impacts on Israel's international standing. Finding that states did not require Israel to stop, the security cabinet opportunistically wrote new objectives and carried on bombing. They did that four times – until they were stopped. It is wrong to think that only Trump matters to Israel. Israel is deeply integrated into international – particularly European and American – trade, tourism, and culture. There is every reason to believe that Israel remains susceptible to broad international pressure. Right now, 81% of Gaza is unilaterally designated as an IDF military zone and / or is under displacement orders. The people of Gaza are being funnelled into killing zones. The danger to Gazan Palestinians is desperate and words do not protect them. They are starving and words do not fill their stomachs. Enough words! We must see action – sanctions, penalties, consequences. Gaza cannot wait. ----- GLOBAL JEWS FOR PALESTINE We are Jews from many countries, who are members of local, national and international networks and organizations. We are multi-ethnic and multigenerational and our members embrace a broad range of viewpoints on Jewish religious and ethical traditions. We are connected by our involvement in the struggle for Palestinian rights, and by our determination to work for justice. We oppose Zionism and all forms of racism and colonialism. We believe that it is our particular responsibility to challenge Jewish organizations whose alliances and actions undermine Palestinian human and national rights, promote Jewish exceptionalism, and overturn Jewish social justice traditions. At the heart of our work is the fight for Palestinian liberation and the struggle for a world free of racial and ethnic hierarchy, colonial domination, and unbridled militarism.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
'Submitted Documents On Illegal Immigrants': Manipur Ex Chief Minister After Meeting Governor
Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said he discussed the prevailing situation in the state with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and asked him to invite the protesters for talks to resolve the Gwaltabi incident. Over the last week, protests over the Gwaltabi incident have been going on in the Meitei-dominant Imphal valley. It was alleged that security forces stopped a state-run bus, in which journalists were being taken by the government to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, near the Gwaltabi checkpost and forced the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the state's name written on the windshield with a white paper. "Today I met governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. I discussed with him regarding the prevailing situation in the state and suggested some points. He listened and said necessary actions will be initiated to resolve the crisis by inviting the protesters. I hope so," Mr Singh said at a late-night press conference. Mr Singh said he also apprised the Governor about the issues of internally displaced people (IDP) staying in relief camps. "I apprised him (Governor) about the issues of IDPs who are staying in relief camps as well as the sufferings of the valley people due to the non-opening of national highways. People are not able to travel by road and I apprised him of that," he said. "I also urged him to disarm all those miscreants who are in possession of illegal arms. Only then, we can proceed for peace." The former chief minister said the purpose of the meeting included showing appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a 30-day deadline to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. "Today's main purpose of the visit was in appreciation of the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a deadline of 30 days to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar... I also submitted all documents which were started in 2021 during which several illegal immigrants were identified under the leadership of then minister Letpao Haokip, who was the chairman of a sub-committee to look into the matter," Mr Singh said. "We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the state, including issues regarding the Gwaltabi incident and to resolve the tensions arising from it," he said in a post on X. Called on Hon'ble Governor, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan today. We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the State, including issues regarding the Gwaltabi incident and to resolve the tensions arising from it. We also had a talk on the... — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) May 27, 2025 "We also had a talk on the initiatives taken under the BJP-led government in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs' 30-day directive- from biometric registration and verification drives to deportation of undocumented foreign nationals... I requested the Governor to seek an extension of the 30-day deadline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These measures are vital for ensuring national security and preserving Manipur's cultural fabric," the former chief minister added. Since May 2023, more than 260 people have been killed and thousands have been internally displaced in ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes, who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur. The Centre imposed President's rule in the state on February 13 after Mr Singh resigned as chief minister. The assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh discusses prevailing situation in state with governor
It was alleged that security forces had stopped a state-run bus, on which journalists were being taken by the government to cover the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, near the Gwaltabi checkpost and forced the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the state's name written on the windshield with a white paper. Over the last week, protests over the Gwaltabi incident have rocked the Meitei-inhabited Imphal Valley. Imphal, May 27 (PTI) Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said that he discussed the prevailing situation in the state with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and urged him to invite the protesters for talks to resolve the Gwaltabi incident. Addressing a late-night press conference, Singh said, 'Today I meet governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. I discussed with him regarding the prevailing situation in the state and suggested some points. He listened and necessary actions will be initiated to resolve the present crisis by inviting the protesters. I hope so.' Singh said he also apprised the governor about the issues of internally displaced people (IDP) staying in relief camps. 'I also apprised him (governor) about the issues of IDPs who are staying in relief camps as well as the sufferings of the valley people due to the non-opening of national highways. People are not able to travel by road and I apprised him of that,' he said. 'I also urged him to disarm all those miscreants who are in possession of illegal arms. Only then, we can proceed for peace,' Singh said. The former CM said that the purpose of the meeting included showing appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting 30-day deadline to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. 'Today's main purpose of visit was to appreciate the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a deadline of 30 days to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar… I also submitted all documents which were started in 2021 during which several illegal immigrants were identified under the leadership of then minister Letpao Haokip, who was the chairman of a sub-committee to look into the matter,' Singh said. Later in a post on X, Singh said, 'We had a detailed discussion on a range of pressing issues concerning the state, including issues regarding the Gwaltabi incident and to resolve the tensions arising from it.' 'We also had a talk on the initiatives taken under the BJP-led government in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs' 30-day directive- from biometric registration and verification drives to deportation of undocumented foreign nationals… I requested the Governor to seek an extension of the 30-day deadline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These measures are vital for ensuring national security and preserving Manipur's cultural fabric,' Singh added. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups, who are the majority in the hill areas, since May 2023. The Centre imposed the President's rule in the state on February 13 after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister. The assembly, which has tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. PTI COR RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
