Jaishankar Urges Rubio to Protect Legal Mobility Amid US Visa Policy Changes

Jaishankar discusses visa issues with Rubio, highlights need to protect legal mobility

New Delhi, May 24

The discussions focused on bolstering ties through enhanced mobility, firm stances on regional security, and a shared vision for global stability. A central theme of the press conference was the human element of the bilateral relationship. Minister Jaishankar emphasised that people-to-people connections are the foundation of the partnership.

EAM Jaishankar apprised Secretary Rubio of the ongoing difficulties faced by legitimate travellers regarding visa issuance. While acknowledging the necessity of cooperation to curb illegal and irregular migration, Jaishankar stressed that these efforts must not hinder legitimate movement.

"Our expectation is that legal mobility would not be adversely impacted as a consequence," Jaishankar stated, noting its critical importance to the business, technology, and research sectors.

The outcry follows a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement on May 22, 2026, stating that USCIS will now grant domestic Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) only under "extraordinary circumstances."

Under the new directive, foreign nationals seeking a Green Card must generally leave the United States and complete consular processing via the Department of State in their home countries.

The policy heavily penalises Indian professionals caught in an already severe employment-based Green Card backlog, forcing them into extended uncertainty away from their families and jobs while they await consular appointments.

Rubio also addressed concerns regarding adjustments to the American visa system, clarifying that current changes are part of a global "modernisation" effort rather than measures targeted specifically at India.

Rubio emphasised that the United States is currently undergoing a comprehensive reform of its migration policies. He characterised this period as a long-overdue transition necessitated by modern realities and the need to address a significant increase in illegal border entries.

Addressing concerns about J1, F1, and H-1B visas, Rubio stated, "The changes that are happening now... are not India-specific; it is global, it's being applied across the world."

Rubio underscored that immigration policy is a matter of national sovereignty. He explained that every country must design its systems to reflect its own national interests, ensuring the process remains sustainable and efficient.

Acknowledging the anxiety surrounding these changes, the Secretary noted, "Anytime you undertake a reform... there's going to be a period of transition that's going to create some friction points." He expressed confidence that the end result would be a more efficient and functional system.

Beyond the technicalities of the visa system, Rubio reaffirmed the immense value the Indian community brings to the United States. He highlighted that Indian companies have invested over $20 billion into the US economy. He expressed a clear desire for this partnership to continue and expand.

Framing immigration as a historical strength of the US, Rubio reflected on his own background, noting that his parents arrived as permanent residents from Cuba in 1956, a process he described as one that has "enriched" the nation.

Despite the transition in migration processing, Rubio maintained that the US remains one of the most welcoming countries, pointing to the approximately one million people who become permanent residents every year.

Meanwhile, security cooperation remained a cornerstone of the talks, with both leaders highlighting their commitment to countering terrorism.

The leaders acknowledged that both nations face shared challenges, with terrorism remaining a top priority. India maintained its stance of "zero tolerance" toward terror. "India and the United States have common interests, but they also face shared challenges, prominent among them is terrorism. Our position in this regard is very clear, which is of zero tolerance", Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar specifically recognised the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind, Tahawwur Rana, from the US to India last year, praising the strong inter-agency collaboration between the two nations.

"I particularly recognised the extradition from the United States to India last year of a key planner of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Our two countries will intensify cooperation bilaterally and in relevant international forums and will continue to collaborate closely on countering illegal trade in narcotics."

The two countries pledged to intensify their efforts both bilaterally and in international forums, including a renewed focus on dismantling the illegal narcotics trade.

Jaishankar, in his remarks, mentioned that the talks slated later today will focus on the recent developments in the Gulf region, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific.

He reiterated India's position regarding the regional and global conflicts, noting dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward; support for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce; demand respect for international law; against weaponisation of market shares and resources and a belief in the value of trusted partnerships, resilient supply chains to derisk the global economy.

— ANI