India calls on US to 'honour' visas issued after students denied entry in varsities

The Indian Government on Wednesday called on the United States of America to honour the visas issued by their own Embassy or Consulates after instances emerged of Indian students being denied entry in many universities across America.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released an advisory for Indian Nationals travelling to the US, advising them to be more cautious in applying to universities and to ensure that they should also carry all required documentation regarding their study plans etc.

"US Immigration authorities denied entry to Indian students having valid student visas to pursue studies in two educational institutions, namely, Silicon Valley University at San Jose and Northwestern Polytechnic University, Fremont. Subsequently, there have been further cases of denial of entry to Indian students holding valid visas to pursue studies in other US educational institutions," the MEA said in a statement.

The US Government conveyed that the decision to deny entry to these students was not because of the corresponding institutions being "black-listed" but based on the assessment made by the US immigration authorities of individual applicants.

"According to the US Government, the deported persons had presented information to the border patrol agent which was inconsistent with their visa status. Government of India continues to remain closely engaged with the US Government on this subject. We have strongly emphasized the need for the US authorities to honour the visas issued by their own Embassy/Consulates," the statement added.

The government also reiterated that all Indian students seeking admission in US educational institutions should do 'due diligence' to ensure that the institutions to which they are seeking admission have proper authorization and capacities.

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"Apart from travel documents, the students should also carry all required documentation regarding their study plans, housing, financial support, healthcare arrangements etc. and be prepared for admission (entry to the US) interviews with U.S. immigration officials," the MEA statement said.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that India will raise concerns with the US over the American administration's recent decision to hike visa fees.