The US Visa Consulates had shut down their services due to the COVID-19 situation across the globe. I agree, that this was a necessary means to diminish the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure the safety of individuals all around the globe. But after 3 months, the services are still suspended in India and few other countries, though they have resumed in most other countries. There has been no update from the US consulates or USCIS regarding their reopening.

I also believe that restricting international students’ entry into the United States is unfair. There are many students who have no idea whether or not to start making arrangements for Fall 2020. International students contribute to around $45 Billion to the US economy alone and Indians make up over 18 percent of all international students in the United States. If US Visa consulates continue to remain closed and the international travel ban stays in place and prohibits the international students from entering the US, there is no question that millions of students would not continue their studies abroad, leading to a detrimental amount of money being lost in the US. 

In order to prevent this from happening, I am suggesting that the US reconsider the measures than can be taken to diminish the spread of COVID-19, while also enabling the students to get their F-1 Visas on time and add F-1 students to the list of visas that the travel ban restrictions do not impact. In order to avoid the spread of infection, when entering the US, I suggest the US require a recent COVID-19 infection test to assure that those individuals who are entering the country do not have COVID-19.

With all other non-immigrant visa stamping suspended for now, the UCSIS should be able to help the students with the F-1 visas. They can even start online visa appointments as a preventive measure for COVID-19 spread. Or, at the least update us about what is happening so that we are mentally prepared. During these uncertain tough times, no communication is adding to our mental woes. 

Request you to help us reach the universities on time to attend the fall semester as we are depending on the US to complete our studies, and shape our future.