U.S. Pauses Student Visas
The pause on new U.S. student visa interview appointments has triggered uncertainty and anxiety among thousands of Indian students. The move is part of a broader tightening of visa scrutiny, particularly focusing on social media background checks and security vetting.
According to a directive from the U.S. State Department, all missions have been instructed not to schedule new interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants until further notice. The pause is reportedly in preparation for a ramped-up review process, particularly in response to ongoing concerns about student activism, campus protests and potential “security risks.”
Indian Government Responds
Responding to media queries during a weekly press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the growing concern. “The welfare of Indian students abroad remains a top priority for the Government of India,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
“Visa issuance is ultimately a sovereign function of the United States but we expect that Indian student applications will be treated fairly, and that students will be able to commence their academic programs on schedule.”
Indian Students In U.S.
India has surpassed China to become the leading source of international students in the U.S., contributing nearly 331,602 students in the academic year 2023–24, according to the Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education. This figure represents almost 30% of all international students enrolled in U.S. institutions during that period.
Most Indian students pursued graduate-level education, particularly in high-demand fields such as Mathematics and Computer Science (42.9%), Engineering (24.5%), and Business (11.2%). A significant portion—over 97,000 students—enrolled in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows STEM graduates to work in the U.S. temporarily after completing their studies.
Deportations
Responding to a query from StratNews Global, Jaiswal said that 1,080 Indian nationals have been deported from the U.S. so far this year, largely due to immigration violations such as overstaying visas or being found out of legal status.
Of these cases, around 62% arrived on commercial flights and were later found in violation of visa norms.
These repatriations are carried out in coordination with U.S. authorities and only after confirming the deportees’ Indian nationality. “We are working closely with the U.S. side on migration-related issues and remain committed to the rights and dignity of Indian nationals abroad,” the Spokesperson added.
Diplomatic Context
This latest visa development comes amid a complex geopolitical environment. The Trump administration has initiated strict border and immigration controls, especially in response to campus protests over international conflicts like the war in Gaza. In some instances, students involved in activism have faced visa revocations, with the U.S. government describing such protests as “anti-Semitic” and warning of links to “terrorist sympathies”.
Despite these tensions, Indian and American officials continue to engage on various bilateral issues. The MEA confirmed that India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and agreed that tech, trade and talent would shape bilateral ties in the 21st century.
