F-1 visa crackdown: Embassy and consulate in touch with students in US, says India amid deportation fear

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Amid growing fears of deportation among Indian students in the United States, the Indian government has stepped in, expressing deep concern over the recent revocation of F-1 student visas and the subsequent removal of several students from the country. The Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., along with its consulates across the U.S., has initiated direct communication with the affected students and is closely monitoring the unfolding situation. According to official statements, the embassy has taken up the matter with the U.S. authorities, emphasizing the need for fair treatment—particularly for students who may have been unknowingly enrolled in fraudulent or unaccredited institutions. Indian officials have stressed that these students should not be penalized in the same manner as those who have intentionally violated visa regulations. In the meantime, Indian students and their families have been advised to remain calm, follow the law diligently, and reach out to consular services for assistance and legal guidance. The embassy has also provided a dedicated email—cons3.washington@mea.gov.in—for direct support. This intervention comes as part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and legal rights of Indian nationals abroad, especially at a time when hundreds of international students are facing sudden and unexpected disruptions to their academic and personal lives due to tightened immigration scrutiny.

India has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the F-1 visa crackdown and reports of Indian students facing deportation threats in the US. The Indian Embassy and Consulates in the US are actively engaging with affected students to provide assistance.

Key Points:

  1. Increased Scrutiny on F-1 Visas: The US has intensified checks on student visas, particularly targeting institutions suspected of being “visa mills” or students violating visa conditions (such as unauthorized work or low attendance).
  2. Indian Students Affected: Some Indian students have reportedly received deportation notices, often due to discrepancies in their academic records or enrollment in unaccredited universities.
  3. Government Response:
    • The Indian Embassy and Consulates are in touch with students to offer guidance.
    • Authorities are verifying cases where students claim to be unfairly targeted.
    • India has urged the US to ensure that genuine students are not penalized due to administrative or institutional issues.

Advice for Students:

  • Verify the accreditation status of your US university.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment and comply with visa rules.
  • Seek help from the Indian Embassy/Consulate or legal experts if facing deportation threats.

Background:

The US has been tightening student visa norms to curb misuse, leading to increased deportations and visa denials. India, being one of the largest sources of foreign students in the US (over 200,000), is closely monitoring the situation.

Useful Links:

  1. US Embassy India – Student Visa Info
    🔗 https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/student-visa/
  2. Indian Embassy in US – Student Assistance
    🔗 https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/
  3. USCIS Official F-1 Visa Rules
    🔗 https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors
  4. SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) Updates
    🔗 https://www.ice.gov/sevis
  5. Recent News on F-1 Visa Crackdown (The Hindu, Times of India)
  6. List of Accredited US Universities (DHS Certified)
    🔗 https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search

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