Recently, an Indian journalist named Kaushik Raj found out his student visa for a master’s program in the U.S. was denied. He planned to study data journalism at Columbia University and wanted to use his skills to report on important issues in rural India. However, the U.S. government claimed he lacked sufficient ties to India, which left him shocked. “I feel punished for my journalism,” he mentioned.
As many students gear up for the fall semester, others are facing similar visa rejections. The process has become more convoluted under the Trump administration, which has caused a worry for universities about a significant drop in international student numbers.
Elora Mukherjee, an immigration law expert, noted that policies introduced since January have made it tougher for international students to study in the U.S. For instance, more than 1,000 student visas were revoked in just two months, and new vetting processes slowed down applications significantly. The waiting times for visa decisions are now stretching beyond a month, adding to the anxiety for students and their families.
According to a report by NAFSA, the U.S. could see about 150,000 fewer international students this fall. This drop could lead to nearly $7 billion in lost revenue for universities. Raj’s case reflects a broader crackdown on immigration that targets international students and their educational aspirations.
Many students have expressed confusion over why their applications are being rejected. For example, a prospective engineering student traveled 700 miles for a visa interview, only to be told they needed to make their social media accounts public—a common requirement under new vetting policies. In the end, their visa was still denied based on insufficient ties to their home country.
Experts, including immigration law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr, argue that the government’s increased scrutiny reflects a broader agenda against international students. He explained that although the rules have always existed, current practices lean more toward denial. “The pressure is on consular officers to say ‘no’,” he said.
Many students are also concerned about ideological biases influencing visa decisions. Two applicants studying fields like artificial intelligence wondered if their program choices were part of the reason for their rejections. There were even statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about aggressively revoking visas for certain students connected to China, demonstrating a larger concern about academic competition.
Historically, the environment for international students in the U.S. has been more welcoming. However, recent trends show a shift toward increased scrutiny and protections that may serve ideological motives. This has made students rethink their options, with many considering universities in Europe instead.
Groups on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have emerged, where students share advice, updates on visa applications, and moral support. The tight competition for visa slots often leaves many feeling helpless, as they navigate through the uncertainties of their futures.
The challenges to obtain a student visa raise serious questions about America’s commitment to education and its global reputation as a welcoming place for scholars. Many prospective students now feel a heightened sense of anxiety about their plans and wonder if they should explore alternatives elsewhere.
In summary, the complexities surrounding U.S. student visas pose significant hurdles for international students eager to pursue their education. As they face the reality of denials and delays, many are questioning whether the U.S. remains the destination of choice for their studies.
Source link
Day: Saturday,Time: 10.00,Page Type: Article,Article Type: Article Post,Long,WC: 2000-2999,Subject: Justice,Subject: Politics,Partner: Factiva,Partner: Smart News,Partner: Social Flow,Language: English
