US Consulate General’s statement on Indian students denied entry

Mumbai

Following is full text of a statement issued by the US Consulate General on Indian students denied entry to America:

Educational ties between the U.S. and India are strong and growing rapidly. During academic year 2014-15, the number of Indian students studying in the United States increased by nearly 30 percent from the previous year to more than 130,000 – the highest number on record.

The Embassy is aware of reports that some students bound for two California schools were denied entry by Customs and Border Protection. We regret the impact this may have had on certain students and their families.

We are following this situation closely and have been in regular communication with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the Government of India. Facts are still being collected.

We remind the public that even travelers with a visa can be denied entry if the immigration officer finds reason to question the legitimacy of their travel documents or finds that the traveler cannot adequately answer questions about the purpose of his or her travel to the United States.

We also remind students considering studying in the United States of the free services provided by Education USA (educationusa.state.gov). Education USA’s centers throughout India and its website can assist students in choosing the most appropriate school for their course of study and personal situation.

As additional information becomes available, we will provide updates to potential travelers. We will continue to strongly support educational study and exchange programs for Indian and US students, as these programs have been a hallmark of our bilateral relationship for decades.