US Lawmakers Demand Action on Indian Student Visa Delays

US Lawmakers: In a significant bipartisan appeal, fifteen members of the United States Congress have written a joint letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging immediate intervention to resolve Indian student visa delays that threaten to derail thousands of academic journeys this fall.

The letter, addressed to the U.S. Department of State, reflects growing concern over limited appointment slots at American embassies and consulates in India—an issue that has left many students in limbo as the new academic year approaches. The lawmakers emphasized the pressing need to ensure that aspiring Indian scholars can begin or resume their studies in the U.S. without interruption.

“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 U.S. embassies in India—from continuing their education and research in the United States,” the letter states.

US Lawmakers: Academic Futures in Jeopardy

Citing feedback from universities across their districts, the legislators noted that students from India—who form the largest group of international students in the United States—are facing growing uncertainty due to an overwhelmed visa appointment system. With classes set to commence in August and September, time is running out.

In stark numbers, Indian students contribute nearly $9 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with many pursuing degrees in STEM fields and playing essential roles in scientific discovery and innovation. The lawmakers stressed that denying these students timely access to their education also means undermining America’s own research ecosystem.

“Research universities are vital players in our national economy, contributing to basic research and cutting-edge inventions,” the letter reads. “Indian students take part in this work in every field of study.”

Bipartisan Support and Global Stakes

The call for urgent action spans both sides of the aisle, with the letter being 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.

Beyond individual academic stories, the lawmakers believe the crisis has deeper diplomatic implications. Educational exchange has long served as a pillar of U.S.-India relations, fostering mutual understanding and preparing future leaders in both countries.

“Indian student visa delays must be seen not only as a bureaucratic bottleneck but as a challenge to a key people-to-people bridge between our nations,” said one congressional aide involved in the initiative.

US Lawmakers: Concrete Questions for the State Department

The letter includes a request for a written response by August 8, addressing two specific areas:

1. What actions are being taken to restore full student visa processing in India?

2. What measures are in place to manage the current backlog and ensure fair access to appointments for all qualified applicants?

For many students, the next few weeks are critical. Without visas, international travel, housing, and university registration become nearly impossible, creating a domino effect of complications.

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