Indian-American Congressman criticises Trump administration's freeze on student visa interviews

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has criticized the Trump administration's decision to freeze student visa interviews and consider strict social media screening for international students. He called it a "reckless decision" that could damage the country's economy and national security, as per a report by The Times of India.

Krishnamoorthi also said that shutting international students out is a "strategic blunder" that weakens US global competitiveness. "I strongly oppose the Trump Administration's reckless decision to freeze new student visa interviews and consider sweeping, undefined social media vetting for international students. International students help drive cutting-edge research, fuel our universities, and build the industries of tomorrow," said Krishnamoorthi to TOI.

"These young people are not only scholars and innovators—they are vital to America's economic strength and national security. By developing the next generation of technologies and the good-paying jobs that come with them, they help ensure the United States remains a global leader," he added.

His remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered embassies and consulates to stop scheduling new visa interviews for student applicants. The Trump administration is also considering requiring students to undergo expanded vetting of their social media activity.

In a separate move, Trump suggested that Harvard University should cap the number of foreign students it admits at 15 percent. He claimed that the current figure, around 31 percent, includes students from "very radicalised" regions.

(With inputs from TOI)