US Lawmakers Urge Rubio to Resolve Indian Student Visa Delays Amid Growing Backlog
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A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urgently resolve visa processing delays affecting Indian students, warning that thousands could miss the start of the academic year.
In a letter sent on 24 July, 14 members of Congress, led by Democratic representative Deborah Ross highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing student visa backlog, particularly in India. The group urged the State Department to “fix the issue” before universities reopen in the coming weeks.
Indian students represent the largest group of international students in the United States and contribute approximately $9 billion annually to the country’s economy. “We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked from continuing their education and research in the United States,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter follows a four-week suspension of student visa appointments during peak processing season, with backlogs persisting even after the freeze was lifted. Although the delays are global, Indian applicants have been hit hardest. The Indian Embassy’s website continues to warn that visa appointment availability this summer cannot be guaranteed.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reportedly raised concerns with both the US Embassy in New Delhi and the State Department. Indian media and education consultancies have reported an alarming 80% drop in student placements to the US this year.
Visa data from May 2025 shows a 41% year-on-year drop in F-1 visa issuances to Indian students, with sector experts anticipating worse figures for June.
The US for Success Coalition, a national alliance of over 50 organisations, has also urged immediate intervention. “Thousands of students – particularly from high-demand countries like India – are at risk of missing the start of the academic year,” said spokesperson Jill Welch.
The coalition warned that delays not only affect university enrolments but also jeopardise the US’s status as a global education leader. With increasing numbers of students considering alternate destinations like the UK, calls for urgent action are growing louder across the education sector.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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