Fifteen members of the US Congress urged the State Department to address visa appointment delays. These delays are preventing Indian students from reaching the United States on schedule.
Lawmakers Express Concerns
The lawmakers, in a joint letter, raised concerns about limited appointment availability at the US embassies in India. To ensure students can begin or resume their studies without disruption, the lawmakers wrote a joint letter. They raised concerns about limited appointment availability at US embassies in India.
Signatories Address Student's Concerns
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The letter was addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to the US Department of State. According to the signatories, they were responding to reports from universities about students in India unable to obtain student visas due to scheduling delays.
Indian Students Pay A Key Role
Indian students contribute around $9 billion to the US economy annually. At American institutions, these students play a key role in scientific research and innovation, the lawmakers noted. Indian students represent the largest international student group in the United States.
“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.
Research Universities Play A Key Role
The letter further explained, “Research universities are vital players in our national economy, contributing to basic research and cutting-edge inventions. “Indian students take part in this work in every field of study.”
Who Were The Signatories Of This Letter?
According to Economic Times, "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."
