Fifteen members of the US Congress have urged the State Department to address visa appointment delays that are preventing Indian students from reaching the United States in time for the fall academic session. In a joint letter, the lawmakers raised concerns about limited appointment availability at US embassies in India and asked for urgent intervention to ensure students can begin or resume their studies without disruption.
The letter was addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to the US Department of State. The signatories said they were responding to reports from constituent universities about students in India unable to obtain student visas due to scheduling delays.
Indian students represent the largest international student group in the United States and contribute around $9 billion to the US economy annually. The lawmakers noted that these students also play a key role in scientific research and innovation at American institutions.
“We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked—due to limited appointment availability and scheduling delays at the US embassies in India—from continuing their education and research in the United States,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers have requested a written response from the State Department by August 8, outlining two key points: the steps being taken to restore full student visa processing in India, and the strategies in place to manage the current backlog while ensuring equitable access to appointments for all eligible applicants.
“Research universities are vital players in our national economy, contributing to basic research and cutting-edge inventions,” the letter said. “Indian students take part in this work in every field of study.”
They also underscored the importance of academic exchange in strengthening US-India relations on the global stage.
The letter was signed by Representatives Deborah K. Ross, Stephen F. Lynch, Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Zoe Lofgren, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jim Costa, Thomas R. Suozzi, Dina Titus, Marc A. Veasey, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Brad Sherman, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr., Don Bacon, and Eric Swalwell.
The letter was addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to the US Department of State. The signatories said they were responding to reports from constituent universities about students in India unable to obtain student visas due to scheduling delays.
Indian students represent the largest international student group in the United States and contribute around $9 billion to the US economy annually. The lawmakers noted that these students also play a key role in scientific research and innovation at American institutions.
“We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked—due to limited appointment availability and scheduling delays at the US embassies in India—from continuing their education and research in the United States,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers have requested a written response from the State Department by August 8, outlining two key points: the steps being taken to restore full student visa processing in India, and the strategies in place to manage the current backlog while ensuring equitable access to appointments for all eligible applicants.
“Research universities are vital players in our national economy, contributing to basic research and cutting-edge inventions,” the letter said. “Indian students take part in this work in every field of study.”
They also underscored the importance of academic exchange in strengthening US-India relations on the global stage.
The letter was signed by Representatives Deborah K. Ross, Stephen F. Lynch, Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Zoe Lofgren, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jim Costa, Thomas R. Suozzi, Dina Titus, Marc A. Veasey, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Brad Sherman, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr., Don Bacon, and Eric Swalwell.
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