US Ambassador's Mission to Reduce Visa Wait Times in India
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, sharing insights from President Joe Biden‘s directive, expressed a groundbreaking mission to cut down visa waiting times in India. This marked a unique moment, as it was the first time a president had given such a directive to an ambassador anywhere in the world.
Addressing the issue, Garcetti emphasized the legislative aspect, highlighting that Congress needs to take action. He mentioned that by processing more visas, they've already slashed wait times by a significant 75%.
In an interview with ANI, Garcetti discussed the complexities, saying, “Congress needs to address this legislatively, whether it's about legal immigrants, green cards, or citizenships. Every country has its limits, and this can be frustrating for Indians who aspire to come to America. Last year, India saw the highest number of student visas, double that of the second-largest.”
Responding to queries about the still lengthy 250-day wait, despite the 75% improvement, Garcetti acknowledged the challenge, stating, “Even though the wait time is now under 200 days, 250 is still too long. The president's directive to me was clear: reduce visa wait times in India. It's a historic moment, the first of its kind from a president to an ambassador in any country. However, with our current resources, it's a tough task.”
Garcetti also commended India's system, noting, “India is performing well within our system. We are looking at ways to enhance and potentially increase our capacities. This will require bipartisan collaboration.”
The US Embassy announced a record number of Indian students choosing the US for higher education for the third consecutive year. The Open Doors Report highlighted a remarkable 35% increase, with 268,923 Indian students in the US during the 2022-23 academic year.
In addition, Garcetti revealed plans for two new consulates in India, one in Bangalore and another in Ahmedabad. He shared, “We are considering the opening of two new consulates soon, in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. By collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs, we aim to expand our presence in India. Recently, we unveiled a state-of-the-art consulate in Hyderabad, albeit with limited staffing due to delayed approvals. An agreement last year paved the way for hiring more staff, and you'll see several dozen new hires this year.”
Garcetti highlighted a remarkable 60% increase in visa adjudications within a year in India, using existing resources, further emphasizing the need for congressional attention.
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