Latest news with #USEmbassy
NHK
a day ago
- General
- NHK
US Embassy in Japan suspends interviews for student visa applicants
Japan's Foreign Ministry says it has confirmed that the US Embassy in Japan has suspended new interview appointments for student visa applicants. The move came after an order issued earlier this month by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The ministry said on Friday that the embassy is still accepting visa applications, and interviews that have already been scheduled are proceeding as planned. According to Foreign Ministry sources, the embassy explained that the pause is a temporary measure that will remain in place until the US government announces new measures, including expanded social media vetting of student visa applicants. Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said people planning to travel to the US have expressed concern, and his ministry is responding with close attention. He added that the government has asked the US side to provide thorough information.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
India says over 1,000 nationals deported by US since January
More than a thousand Indians have "come back or [been] deported" from the United States since January, India's foreign ministry has said. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that around 62% of them came on commercial flights, without providing more details. This comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's campaign against undocumented migrants to the US. Trump had earlier said that India "will do what's right" on the deportation of illegal migrants. In February, the US had deported more than hundred Indians on a US military flight, with reports saying some of them were brought back shackled. "We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues," Mr Jaiswal said during the ministry's weekly briefing, adding that India verifies nationalities before "we take them back". In total, the US is said to have identified about 18,000 Indian nationals it believes entered the country illegally. Earlier this month, the US Embassy in India issued a warning that overstaying in the US could lead to deportation or a permanent ban on entry in the country, even for those who entered legally. Mr Jaiswal also spoke about the Trump administration's updated policy on student visas which is likely to impact Indian students planning to enrol in US universities. The US had announced on Thursday that it had halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students as it considered expanding the screening of their social media activities. "While we note that issuance of a visa is a sovereign function, we hope that the application of Indian students will be considered on merit, and they will be able to join their academic programs on time," Mr Jaiswal said. Mr Jaiswal also said that 330,000 Indians students had gone to the US for studies in 2023-24 - which makes India the largest source of international students in the country. On Thursday, expanding its new visa policy, the US further announced that it was working to "aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields". Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Trump: India says over 1,000 nationals deported by US since January
More than a thousand Indians have "come back or [been] deported" from the United States since January, India's foreign ministry has Randhir Jaiswal said that around 62% of them came on commercial flights, without providing more comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's campaign against undocumented migrants to the US. Trump had earlier said that India "will do what's right" on the deportation of illegal February, the US had deported more than hundred Indians on a US military flight, with reports saying some of them were brought back shackled. "We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues," Mr Jaiswal said during the ministry's weekly briefing, adding that India verifies nationalities before "we take them back".In total, the US is said to have identified about 18,000 Indian nationals it believes entered the country this month, the US Embassy in India issued a warning that overstaying in the US could lead to deportation or a permanent ban on entry in the country, even for those who entered Jaiswal also spoke about the Trump administration's updated policy on student visas which is likely to impact Indian students planning to enrol in US US had announced on Thursday that it had halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students as it considered expanding the screening of their social media activities."While we note that issuance of a visa is a sovereign function, we hope that the application of Indian students will be considered on merit, and they will be able to join their academic programs on time," Mr Jaiswal Jaiswal also said that 330,000 Indians students had gone to the US for studies in 2023-24 - which makes India the largest source of international students in the Thursday, expanding its new visa policy, the US further announced that it was working to "aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields".Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
S'poreans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy
In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. PHOTO: REUTERS S'poreans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy SINGAPORE - Singaporeans keen to study in the US can continue to send in their visa applications, said the US Embassy in Singapore on May 28, following news that the Trump administration has directed overseas missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in an internal cable reported by Politico on May 27 that the State Department intends to review the screening and vetting of such applicants, with plans to issue guidelines on 'expanded social media vetting'. In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. When asked about the latest directive, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Singapore said: 'The US Embassy's interview appointments system is dynamic and reflects the time required for consular officers to adjudicate cases in full compliance with US law. 'At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications, as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them.' It did not disclose if it has received an influx of queries from applicants since news about the internal cable was published, although it said that social media vetting has been a longstanding part of the US visa application process. The spokesperson said: 'Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms, and we use all available information in our visa screening and vetting.' Recounting her own experience, a Singaporean student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had to submit her social media account handles when she applied for a student visa in 2022. The 22-year-old, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at a liberal arts college, said she thought it was better to play safe then and disclose information about all her accounts, even though she doubted that any checks would be conducted. In recent times, however, she has become more cautious about what she says or does, both online and in person. This follows news of US President Donald Trump's recent campaign against elite US colleges, which he is trying to pressure into making a wide range of policy changes such as removing diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives. On May 22, the Trump administration terminated Harvard University's right to host and enrol foreign students and scholars, leaving nearly 6,800 international students there in limbo. This follows its cancellation of billions of dollars in grants and funds for the school as well as other elite institutions such as Columbia University. 'I used to be more involved in political activism on campus, but now I'm just trying to stay unnoticed,' the Singaporean student said, citing how clampdowns on international students, coupled with the looming thought that her social media account information remains in the US authorities' hands, have made her fearful. Originally drawn to the US because of its ideals in areas such as freedom of speech, she said that at present, 'the hypocrisy is just so striking'. Although she initially planned to commence postgraduate studies in the US immediately after receiving her bachelor's, recent developments have made her reconsider. 'With all the twists and turns, I think I'm likely to return to Singapore afterwards instead, which wasn't my plan at all, even six months ago.' Another Singaporean student pursuing his postgraduate studies in the US said his devices and social media accounts were not screened whenever he passed through US Customs. However, he noted that there has been an increase in questioning by border agents, including about his career and family situation. While the 27-year-old does not plan to cut back on travelling, he has stopped posting or sharing content related to the US and its politics on his social media accounts. He said: 'I am also extra careful with whatever I text friends if it concerns US politics.' A 26-year-old Singaporean, who is heading to University College London for a master's degree, had contemplated pursuing one in public health either at Columbia University or the University of California, Berkeley. Having witnessed the uncertainty in the US and taken other things like costs into consideration, the analyst at a market research firm said she was relieved to have pivoted to Britain instead. The current US administration, as well as Mr Trump's stance on immigration as outlined in Project 2025, further cemented her decision. Describing applying to the US for her studies as a 'huge gamble', she said she had considered waiting for things to settle, but upon reflection, she realised her options did not necessarily have to be limited to American institutions. University admission consultancy Crimson Education has been sharing the variety of available options with students keen to study abroad. Ms Joanne Gao, its regional manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar, said it will continue to encourage students to 'explore a wide range of university options around the world – not just in the US'. She added: 'This way, students avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and have more chances to find the right university for them.' So far, four families have contacted Crimson Education as a result of the latest developments in the US, but she said that students already accepted into top US universities are planning to proceed with their plans. Ms Gao said the consultancy has also contacted the US Embassy to clarify the situation, which would enable it to 'properly support' its students. The Straits Times also contacted two other educational consultancies, but they were unable to comment. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
What advisories for Indian, foreign students in US warn against
International students, including those from India, have come under scrutiny by the Trump administration, resulting in advisories from the US government and universities that caution them of the potential pitfalls. These advisories provide critical warnings to students, urging them to avoid any action that could jeopardise their visa status as recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).The US government has warned Indian and other international students against skipping classes or leaving their programmes amid the ongoing mass deportation issue. The advisory follows guidance from several universities across the US, which have advised their international students against non-essential US Embassy cautioned Indian students enroled in American institutions that failing to attend classes, withdrawing from their programme, or leaving without proper notification could jeopardise their eligibility for future visas. "If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas," the US Embassy in India said in an official statement on US Embassy in India also issued a warning to foreigners on May 14 about the serious consequences of staying in the United States beyond the allowed time on their Saturday, the embassy posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "If you remain in the United States beyond your authorised period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future."advertisementIt has also advised students to steer clear of criminal URGES STUDENTS TO MAINTAIN LEGAL STATUSThe Embassy asked students to maintain their student status."Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues," the statement issued on Tuesday US has issued a strong warning to visa applicants, stating that criminal convictions may result in a permanent ban on entry."Criminal convictions can permanently bar you from entering the United States. Even minor offences can trigger visa denials. Consular officers have access to your criminal background and will discover past violations or arrests," the US Embassy in New Delhi wrote on X on May 22."Tell the truth on your application and in your interview – lying can get you banned", it ADVISORY FOLLOWED BY VISA REVOCATIONS TOOThe advisories were issued following President Donald Trump's recent crackdown on immigrant students, which began last month. Many students have been forced to leave the country after their F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa status was abruptly revoked and their SEVIS records canceled — often due to minor past certain cases, the immigrant students were not even found guilty, while in others, no reasons were to a report by ICEF Monitor, a source for data on international education and student mobility, nearly 5,000 student records were impacted at the height of the visa reasons have varied from pro-Palestine protests to minor traffic violations, often dragging students into complex legal situations and creating widespread response to legal challenges from students, universities, and educational organisations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reversed its decision in late April and reinstated the visa status of the affected increasing uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of immigration policies, universities throughout the US are advising international students to avoid non-essential UNIVERSITIES TO STUDENTS: 'AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL'Numerous universities across the country have warned international students against travelling abroad this summer, expressing concern that they may face difficulties reentering the US."Due to the increased risks involved in re-entering into the United States, we are advising members of the Duke international community to avoid international travel unless essential," Duke University wrote last month in a memo to students and faculty."A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the US," the varsity University also encourages its students to postpone non-essential travel, especially if they require a new visa to return, citing potential delays and uncertainties in visa university, in a note issued last month, stated that given recent Executive Orders signalling possible travel restrictions and changes to US visa processing, they are encouraging current international students and scholars to consider postponing nonessential travel (especially if you need a new visa to return) until there is more clarity from the Trump of California, Berkeley, also issued an advisory, saying upcoming international travel was risky due to "strict vetting and enforcement."Amid advisories and regulations, Indian students face anxiety and uncertainty about finishing their education and a life ahead in the Watch
