US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has responded to India's concerns regarding the Trump administration's recent immigration policy changes, acknowledging that there 'could be bumps' in the process. His remarks come ahead of his scheduled visit to India.
New Immigration Directive Raises Concerns
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services recently issued a directive requiring foreigners seeking a green card or permanent residency to return to their native countries to apply. This policy shift has raised significant concerns in India, a major source of skilled immigrants to the United States.
Rubio, in a statement, emphasized that while the changes aim to streamline the immigration system, they may cause temporary disruptions. 'We understand the concerns of our Indian partners. There could be bumps along the way, but we are committed to working through them,' he said.
Diplomatic Engagement Ahead of Visit
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier voiced India's apprehensions about the new rules, stressing the importance of a smooth immigration process for Indian professionals and students. The issue is expected to be a key topic during Rubio's upcoming visit to New Delhi.
The directive has sparked debate among immigration experts, who warn that it could lead to longer processing times and increased uncertainty for applicants. However, US officials argue that it is necessary to ensure compliance with existing laws.
Both nations are expected to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of the policy while maintaining the strong bilateral relationship. The US remains a top destination for Indian talent, with over 4 million Indian-born residents living in the country.
