Amid rising concerns over sweeping changes to the United States immigration system, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday clarified that the new visa and green card policies introduced under President Donald Trump were not specifically targeted at India. Speaking during a press conference in New Delhi, Rubio said the reforms were aimed at modernising an outdated migration framework and making the system more sustainable.
Acknowledging the significant contribution of Indian professionals and businesses to the American economy, Rubio said Indian companies have invested over $20 billion in the United States, and Washington wants those ties to grow stronger. He stressed that the immigration overhaul was being implemented globally and not directed at any one country.
Rubio described the ongoing reforms as “long overdue” and said the system needed to reflect present-day realities. Referring to his own family’s migration journey from Cuba to the United States, he said immigration has long played an important role in shaping American society and economy.
Rubio admits transition may create friction
According to the Hindustan Times, while defending the policy changes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted the transition period may create challenges for applicants and businesses. He said any major overhaul naturally leads to “bumps on the road” but maintained that the long-term goal was to create a more efficient and reliable immigration process.
His remarks come at a time when Indian students, technology workers, and businesses have expressed concern over tougher scrutiny and higher costs associated with US visas. The debate intensified further after Trump reshared a controversial social media post referring to India as a “hellhole,” sparking criticism and diplomatic discomfort.
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Jaishankar flags concerns over legal mobility
According to the Hindustan Times, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India raised concerns regarding difficulties faced by legitimate Indian travellers during his discussions with Rubio.
Jaishankar noted that people-to-people ties remain central to the India-US relationship and emphasised that cooperation on curbing illegal immigration should not negatively affect legal mobility. He said smoother visa processes are crucial for business partnerships, technology collaboration, and academic research between the two countries.
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New rules tighten visa and green card process
According to the Hindustan Times, the latest policy changes announced by Washington require foreigners seeking green cards to apply from their home countries instead of adjusting their status while staying in the US on temporary visas. The rule affects applicants on H-1B, L-category, student, and visitor visas unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The Trump administration has also expanded social media vetting for student and exchange visa applicants under F, M, and J categories, along with H-1B and H-4 visa holders. In another significant move, the administration sharply increased fees linked to H-1B visa petitions and premium immigration processing services, adding to concerns among foreign workers and sponsoring companies.
