India’s name is not in the list of countries with visa ban. This decision will have no impact on Indians applying for other visas including ‘Green Card’ which helps in permanent residence in America.
America has imposed major restrictions in the matter of granting immigration visas to foreigners. Under the ‘America First’ policy, visas for people from 75 countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, have been put on hold indefinitely. But, India is not included in the list of countries with visa ban. This decision will have no impact on Indians applying for other visas including ‘Green Card’ which helps in permanent residence in America.
What is this new rule?
The new rule will come into effect from January 21. Until the US government’s review is completed, people from these 75 countries will not be granted immigration visas. This ban has been imposed on those countries where the possibility of fraud is high and whose citizens can become a financial burden on the government there after coming to America. Mistakes in identity documents and negligence in sharing information also became a major reason for these countries.
Big shock to neighbors, India ‘safe’
When neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are included in this list, then India’s exclusion from it is considered a big diplomatic victory. America has placed Pakistan in the category of countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. This has dealt a big blow to Pakistan’s image at the international level. Earlier it was found that the people of Somalia had committed major fraud in the benefits they received from taxpayers’ money in America. Now America is keeping such high-risk countries aside.
How will India benefit from this?
This indicates that India is a ‘trusted partner’ in the eyes of the Trump administration. It will be beneficial for Indians in these areas:
- IT and Health Sector: The visa process will now become easier for experts looking for jobs in America’s health and technology sector.
- Higher Education: This will give confidence to Indian students who wish to study in American universities.
- Technical Partnership: Technical cooperation between the two countries will become even stronger.
The new rules will be even more strict
Now things will not be that easy for applicants from countries where there is no ban. Consular officers have been instructed to rigorously examine the applicants’ age, health, English language skills and financial status. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott made it clear that no one will be allowed to take advantage of the generosity of the American people. This decision will not have any impact on those who already have visas. From next Tuesday, only appointments for new applicants are being stopped.