New Delhi, May 24: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently on the second day of his four-day visit to India. During a joint press conference with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio condemned racist remarks made against Indians, labeling them as the actions of foolish individuals. He emphasized that America is a welcoming nation.
In response to a question regarding racist comments directed at Indians in the U.S., Rubio stated, “I don’t know what to say about this, but I take such comments very seriously.” He acknowledged that every country has its share of foolish people, including the U.S., where some individuals continue to make absurd remarks. However, he reaffirmed that America is a welcoming country, enriched by the contributions of people from around the world.
Rubio praised the Indian community’s contributions to the U.S. economy, noting that Indian companies have invested over $20 billion in the United States. He expressed a desire for this investment to continue growing, highlighting the significant benefits that Indian professionals bring to the American economy.
Regarding changes in visa and immigration policies, Rubio clarified that the new U.S. policies are not solely aimed at India but apply globally. He pointed out that over 20 million people have entered the U.S. illegally in recent years, necessitating reforms in the immigration system.
On recent changes to J1, F1, and H1B visa regulations, he mentioned that the U.S. is modernizing its immigration system to align with the 21st century. While this process may present challenges and inconveniences initially, he assured that the new system would ultimately be more effective and efficient.
Rubio stated, “Every year, about one million people become permanent residents of the U.S. and contribute to the nation’s development. Immigration has enriched America, but it is essential to improve the system in line with changing times.”
He acknowledged that the impact of these changes might be more pronounced for countries like India, which sends a large number of highly skilled professionals to the U.S. However, he reiterated that these policies are not targeted at any specific country.
Rubio explained that the U.S. is undergoing significant reforms in its immigration system, recognizing that such transitions may come with challenges. He stated, “We are improving the system that determines how many people can enter the country, who will come, and when. Any system undergoing reform will experience a transitional phase, which may include difficulties.”
He concluded that once this process is complete, the U.S. will have a more skilled and sustainable immigration system. “I believe the new system will be more beneficial for workers and innovators coming from India. However, there will be challenges during this transition,” he added.
Rubio clarified that these changes are not aimed specifically at India but are applicable worldwide. The impact may be more visible for countries like India, which sends a significant number of high-skilled professionals to the U.S. Ultimately, the goal is to create a better, more effective, and sustainable immigration system.
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