Jampala in touch with various government agencies on issue of F-1 visas being revoked.
AB Wire
The Telugu Association of North America (TANA) has expressed concern about recent reports of some students from Andhra Pradesh on F-1 visas not being allowed to enter the United States, and their visas being revoked.
TANA officials have been working with the students, their families, two concerned universities, airlines, immigration consultants, Indian Embassy, India’s union ministry of external affairs, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to resolve this crisis, according to Dr. V. Chowdary Jampala, President, TANA.
“It appears that all students coming to US on new F-1 visas are being screened thoroughly at the airports and these screenings are taking a long time. Most of these students are being allowed entry after they satisfy the immigration authorities of their credentials. However, a few students have been denied entry at various airports,” said Jampala, to The American Bazaar.
According to a statement by TANA, the US Department of Homeland Security officials have a lot of discretion in determining the bonafides of those seeking to enter the country and need to be convinced that the intentions of the visa holder are genuine before they permit entry.
“The reasons for denial of entry appear to vary. It is our understanding that these include the failure of the students to speak confidently about what they plan to be studying, where they plan to live and how they plan to pay for their tuition and living expenses. Some of those denied visa were not able to demonstrate having adequate financial resources and told the immigration authorities that they planned to get part-time jobs which is not allowed by the law. Some students had with them documents like applications for Social Security numbers leading to questions about their intentions. In some cases, some of the documents furnished by the applicants could not be verified and were suspected to be fraudulent,” said Jampala.
Jampala added: “We understand the enormous anxiety this is causing the many students (and their families) planning to start studying winter/spring sessions. We do not feel that there is any reason to worry for genuine students that are intent on pursuing their studies, respectful of US Immigration laws and regulations. We urge the students and their families to pay attention to the following.
- Student visas are given to pursue studies; they are not for working in US. There are limited circumstances in which an F-1 visa holder may work with the educational institution’s approval and supervision. Any illegal activity may cause detention, revocation of visa and deportation.
- Ensure that the institution that student is enrolling in is of good reputation. An institution that does not require strict attendance or is overly permissive with so called CPT should be suspect.
- Do not depend on so-called consultants. In most circumstances, they are recruiting agents getting a fee from the educational institution.
- Be familiar with all documentation that the student is required to have and ensure that it is genuine and verifiable.
- Be prepared to talk confidently about plans for education and the ability to meet the tuition and living expenses over the course of studies.
- Not be anxious when talking with the immigration authorities. They are professionals and are expected to treat everyone with appropriate courtesy.
- Do not make any false statements to the immigration authorities.
- Be prepared for long screening times at the port of entry.
- Ensure adequate cash for any incidental expenses at the airports and in transit
Jampala also advised that if any students experience any negative experience during the screening process, please inform him by sending an e-mail to info@tana.org
“We also urge all students, visitors and their families to familiarize yourself with the TANA publication, Guidelines for Staying Safe in America, available free at http://www.tana.org/help-line-team-square/safety-guidelines. Pursuing higher studies in USA is a great opportunity for education and we are glad to note so many students of Telugu origin availing of this opportunity,” he said.