TANA Urges Telugu Students Coming to USA to be Well Prepared

Telugu Association of North America (TANA) is very concerned about recent reports of some students from Andhra Pradesh with new student visas not being allowed to enter USA and their visas being revoked.  TANA officials have been working with the students, their families, universities, airlines, immigration consultants, Indian Embassy, Union Ministry of External Affairs, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to resolve this crisis, according to Dr. V Chowdary Jampala, President of 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.  

The US Borders and Customs 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.

Dr. Jampala stated, "We understands 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." Dr. Jampala urged the students and their families to pay attention to the following.

·  Student visas are given to pursue studies; they are not for working in USA. 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

If any students experience any negative experiences during the screening process, they are requested to inform TANA by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

TANA also urges all students, visitors and their families to familiarize yourself with the TANA publication, Guidelines for Staying Safe in America, available for 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.  We urge everyone to make good use of this and conduct themselves in a safe manner.