Latest news with #USImmigrationandNationalityAct
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business Standard
US visa officer surprises Hyderabad student with tough technical questions
In an unusual turn of events during a US F-1 student visa interview at the Hyderabad Consulate, a visa applicant was taken aback after facing a barrage of technical questions from the consular officer — a move rarely expected in such interviews. The student, who completed his undergraduate degree in April 2025, shared his experience on Reddit to seek feedback and better understand the possible reason for his visa rejection. 'I had my F1 visa interview today (May 30, 2025) at the Hyderabad Consulate, India. He is a white male VO in his 30s. Unfortunately, I was rejected under section 214(b),' the student mentioned. The student further explained that the interview started with routine questions before veering into unexpected territory. Technical questions in visa interview The visa officer began by asking the students questions like if he is still studying and what are the universities he has applied to. 'Indiana University Bloomington, University of Colorado Boulder, Northeastern University, Arizona State University, University of Florida, and University of Washington,' the student replied. After asking about the project he has worked on, the officer shifted to what the student called 'unexpected technical questions'. 'Do you know coding well? What's the difference between Array and Linked List? What is Linear Regression?' the officer asked. Later, the officer asked him why he chose Indiana University Bloomington. 'It has one of the oldest and most established Data Science departments. They offer specializations across different tracks like Applied Data Science, Computational DS, and Analytical DS,' the student replied. Moments later, the officer ended the interview with: 'Unfortunately, your visa has been rejected. You're welcome to reapply.' The student mentioned that he was surprised by the level of technical questions asked. 'I tried to stay calm and answer everything honestly, but I'm still not sure what went wrong—whether it was something in my answers, my university choices, or how I explained my project,' the student wrote. What is Section 214(b)? A visa denial under Section 214(b) of US Immigration and Nationality Act means the applicant did not convince the consular officer that they qualified for the visa category or lacked strong ties to their home country. While a candidate appearing for the F-1 visa interview can be assessed over their academic preparedness to study in the US, these questions are not very common.
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
F-1 visa denied? Hacks Indian students need to crack the US student visa
Ruhi (name changed), from Rajkot, Gujarat, had an excellent student record, solid financial backing, and an admission offer from a well-ranked US university. Yet, her visa was rejected. But why? Her application was refused under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), explained Pushkar Kumar, founder of Bluehawks EduAbrod. 'When a student receives an F-1 visa refusal, it's more than just a stamp of rejection—it's the shattering of a dream,' said Kumar. And that heartbreak is becoming more common. The F-1 visa rejection rate has increased by approximately 20 per cent in 2025, following an already steep 40 per cent in 2024. What is Section 214(b)? "Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act presumes every applicant for a non-immigrant visa to be an intending immigrant unless they can demonstrate otherwise," said Ketan Mukhija, senior partner at Burgeon Law. Applicants must prove strong ties to their home country and an intention to return after their temporary stay. F-1 visa refusals under this provision typically result from failure to convince the consular officer of non-immigrant intent, insufficient financial proof, weak ties to the home country, or inconsistencies during the interview. What might have gone wrong for Ruhi? According to Kumar, potential reasons for Ruhi's rejection include: > Applying to a university with a high concentration of applicants from her region > Giving generic answers during her interview > Failing to clearly link her academic plans to her future career 'This shows that even deserving students can be denied if they fail to stand out or show clarity of purpose,' Kumar added. Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said students must prove three key things during their visa process: 1. Strong ties to their home country—shown through residence, family connections, or property 2. Sufficient financial resources to fund their US stay 3. A clear academic purpose, supported by a valid I-20 form from the admitting university What can lead to F-1 visa rejection under 214(b)? Common reasons include: * Lack of evidence showing intent to return home * Unconvincing or unclear academic and career plans * Inadequate funds or weak documentation * Poor interview performance or conflicting responses Rejection rates rising More Indian students are feeling the heat. According to Kumar, the F-1 visa rejection rate for Indian applicants has climbed by about 20 per cent in 2025. The US denied 41 per cent of all F-1 visa applications in fiscal year 2023–24, the highest rate in a decade. Of the 6.79 lakh applications received, 2.79 lakh were refused, up from 36 per cent the year before. India sent over 3.31 lakh students to the US in 2023–24, but many are now facing growing hurdles in securing visas. Why are rejections happening more frequently? Students and experts point to several causes: * Applying to 'over-targeted' universities * Rehearsed, repetitive or vague responses * Too many students from the same city or region applying to the same institution * Poor articulation of goals or programme choice * Weak communication skills * Failing to distinguish themselves during interviews 'US consular officers are now more cautious with applicants heading to over-targeted universities. They scrutinise DS-160 forms and look for alignment with interview answers. Often, decisions are made quickly based on first impressions and communication quality,' said Kumar. How to avoid rejection To improve their chances, Anand advises students to: * Be clear about why they've chosen a specific course and university * Demonstrate financial readiness with proper documentation * Prove strong ties to home—through family, property, or job prospects * Be honest, well-prepared, and confident in their interview Preparing for success According to Anand, students should: * Research their course, university, and how it fits into long-term plans * Practise answers to typical visa interview questions * Keep all documents ready: I-20, bank statements, transcripts * Avoid over-preparation or rote answers—authenticity matters When to apply For the Fall intake (August), students should apply between August and December of their final school year. Preparation ideally starts 12–18 months in advance. Standardised tests like the SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS, and university applications should be completed by December or January.
Morocco World
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Mahmoud Khallil Warns on Future of US Civil Liberties From ICE Detention
Mahmoud Khalil, Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student currently detained in Jena, Louisiana, has shared a new letter about his ongoing battle with the United States immigration system. Published as an op-ed in the Washington Post on April 17, Khalil's words offer a powerful look into his life in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention while also raising broader questions on America's values. Khalil reflects on how his life has been reduced to endless contemplation within the confines of a crowded facility, sharing space with 70 other detainees. As he lies awake, just two weeks away from becoming a father, he wonders which of his fellow detainees are dreaming of reuniting with their families, and which are plagued by the fear of becoming the Trump administration's next 'administrative error.' Khalil refers to the infamous incident where the Trump administration deported Kilmar Ábrego García and more than 260 others to Central America under unchecked allegations of gang affiliation. Last week, the Supreme Court partially supported a judge's order requiring officials to facilitate Ábrego García's release, after the government acknowledged that his deportation was an 'administrative error.' A US official confirmed that Ábrego García, who has no criminal record, is 'alive and secure' in El Salvador's Cecot, a brutal Terrorism Confinement Centre while El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele stated, during a visit with President Trump, that he lacked the authority to bring Ábrego García back to the US. Similarly for Kahlil, despite being a legal permanent resident, he has been targeted for deportation based on unfounded allegations, many of which were backed by sensationalized media rather than legitimate evidence. In court, an immigration judge ruled last week that Kahlil could be deported, even though his case remains under review in other courts. In fact, US media reported this week that the government relied on articles from tabloids to argue its case against Khalil, claiming he should be deported for allegedly lying on his green card application. Among the accusations brought forth by the Trump administration is that Khalil was a 'member of UNRWA,' the United Nations agency that aids Palestinian refugees, which the US has suspended funding for during Israel's genocide in Gaza. Khalil's deportation case is based on a provision in the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to revoke a person's immigration status based on activities that 'could harm US foreign policy'. However, when pressed to substantiate these claims, the administration shifted its focus to Khalil's personal beliefs. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had submitted a memo last week, arguing that Khalil should be deported due to his 'beliefs, statements, or associations.' — an infringement on free speech and thought. Khalil recalled letters from supporters, some with stamps featuring the American flag and the words 'liberty forever.' He finds the irony in these letters overwhelming, particularly as he reflects on how the administration has used immigration law to push a repressive agenda. 'I think about the breakneck speed with which my case was heard and decided, running roughshod over due process. On the flip side, I think about those I am locked up with, many of whom have been languishing for months or years waiting for their due process,' said Khalil. While the US Constitution is often reduced to the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech, and the Second Amendment, which ensures the right to bear arms. However, it also includes other vital provisions, such as the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause. This clause guarantees that the government must follow specific procedures before depriving anyone of their life, liberty, or property– A crucial safeguard that some hardline nationalists are more than willing to overlook. Khalil rejects the accusations against him, reaffirming his commitment to justice for all people, regardless of religion. He reflects on his activism at Columbia University, where he worked alongside Muslim, Jewish, and Christian students in support of Palestinian rights. 'Like the thousands of students that I advocated with in Columbia—including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian friends—I believe in the innate equality of all human dignity,' he says. 'I believe in the right of my people to look at the blue sky and not fear an impending missile.' Khalil concludes his letter with a warning: ' I write this letter as the sun rises, hoping that the suspension of my rights will raise alarm bells that yours are already in jeopardy […] a democracy of convenience– is no democracy at all.' His letter, published on Palestinian Prisoners' Day, coincides with the global call for attention to the plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Nearly 10,000 Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israeli jails, including 400 children and almost 4,000 people held without charge or trial– i.e without due process. Tags: discriminationDonal Trumpnew US immigration lawUS immigration
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Gulf News
‘Just 3 questions': Indian man's US visa denied in 40 seconds - his post goes viral
An Indian man's dream vacation to Florida ended before takeoff after his US tourist visa was denied during a 40-second interview — a story that has since gone viral, according to media reports. The applicant, identified on Reddit as nobody01810, shared his experience online after being handed a Section 214(b) refusal by the US embassy. This clause of the US Immigration and Nationality Act is typically invoked when an applicant fails to demonstrate strong ties to their home country — a key requirement for obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. In his Reddit post, the man explained that he had applied for a B1/B2 visa for a two-week vacation in Florida. His plans included visiting Disney World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, and meeting his girlfriend, who resides in the US. Just three questions According to the applicant, the consular officer asked only three questions during the brief interview: Why do you want to travel to the US? Have you travelled outside India before? Do you have any family or friends in the US? He answered honestly — admitting he had never travelled internationally and that his girlfriend lived in the US. Nonetheless, the officer promptly denied the visa and issued a 214(b) refusal slip. 'Textbook Denial' The applicant's post quickly drew widespread attention on Reddit, sparking debate about the unpredictable nature of US tourist visa decisions, especially for first-time travellers. Many users labeled his case a 'textbook denial.' One commented, "You have zero travel history, especially to Western countries. Plus, a girlfriend in the States? That's a strong tie to the US." Another wrote, "Even if you don't plan to stay, mentioning a girlfriend makes it appear that you might. To the embassy, that's a red flag." A third user noted, "It's hard to prove intent to return when your application lacks a travel history and includes a romantic connection in the US." Transparency may have backfired Some Redditors pointed out inconsistencies in how the applicant described his purpose of travel. One observed, "You didn't mention your girlfriend initially but brought her up later. That inconsistency may have contributed to the denial." Several users suggested that before reapplying, the man should: Visit countries in Europe or Southeast Asia to build a travel history Demonstrate stronger ties to India, such as property ownership, long-term employment, or family responsibilities Visa interview backlogs add to applicant woes Media reports also note that since mid-March, the availability of visa interview appointments has drastically declined, complicating the process further for applicants and consultants alike. Under US immigration law, applicants denied under Section 214(b) can reapply if they can present new evidence addressing the concerns behind the refusal. However, without a significant change in circumstances, experts say a second denial is likely. The incident highlights the challenges many first-time international travellers face — where even honesty and good intentions may not be enough to secure a visa.
Morocco World
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
US Justifies Mahmoud Khalil's Deportation Based on ‘Beliefs'
Rabat – The case of Palestinian Mahmoud Kahlil, a voice for Palestine that has been silenced and caused backlash around the world, has a new development. In response to an immigration judge's request for evidence to support the Palestinian activit's deportation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio submitted a two-page memo on Wednesday, April 9, asserting that Kahlil, who is a lawful permanent US resident, should be deported due to his 'beliefs, statements, or associations.' The Trump administration had previously justified its deportation order against Kahlil by citing an ambiguous section of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the Secretary of State broad authority to revoke a person's immigration status for activities in the US that would have 'potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.' However, when pressed to provide substantial evidence to support these claims, the administration shifted its focus to Kahlil's beliefs, thereby going beyond the suppression of free speech to infringing on the very freedom of thought. 'For cases where the basis for this determination is the alien's past, current, or expected beliefs, statements, or associations that are otherwise lawful, the Secretary of State must personally determine that the alien's presence or activities would compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest,' read Rubio's memo. Rubio stated that his decision was based on information provided by multiple immigration authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), regarding Kahlil's involvement in 'antisemitic protests and disruptive activities, which foster a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States.' Rubio further justified the administration's action by claiming that Kahlil's presence in the US undermines 'US policy to combat antisemitism both abroad and within the United States, as well as efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence.' While Rubio emphasized the unsubstantiated claims of 'antisemitism' against Kahlil, the memo notably contains no allegations of criminal activity, as the Syrian-Palestinian activist has not committed any known crimes. Earlier in March, Rubio stated that the State Department had revoked over 300 student visas, adding that the administration was actively identifying what he referred to as 'lunatics.' 'It might be more than 300 at this point. We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas,' he boasted at a news conference. Kahlil, who participated in pro-Palestine protests and led negotiations for student encampments at Columbia University during his studies last year, was part of the peaceful demonstrations sparked by Israel's widely documented genocide in Gaza, which has led to an estimated 50,000 deaths, with US support, since October 2023. Khalil has been held at the detention center in the state of Louisiana since March 8, in what many described as an 'abduction.' Students, of all religions and ethnicities, across the US and around the world have joined protests and campus encampments calling for the boycott of Israel and divestment from businesses complicit in supporting Israel's settler occupation, apartheid, and genocide. The Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a student-led campaign, has advocated for divestment from companies accused of supporting Israeli apartheid, occupation, and genocide, including Airbnb, Caterpillar, and Google — each under scrutiny for their ties to Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) actions and government policies.
