Why Indian Students Were Deported from Blacklisted Universities in USA
What a drama about Air India denying 19 Indian students traveling to the USA to attend SVU and NPU, since Air India thinks they are blacklisted universities in USA. I wanted to provide clarity and get to the bottom of this news. I’m publishing the scanned copies of Deportation form (I-867A) issued to students with names and other personally identifying details redacted.
Story Highlights :
- 19 Indian Students weren’t allowed to travel to the USA by Air India
- Air India claims that 14 Indian Students were deported.
- Air India is not letting students go to certain “Blacklisted Universities” until clearance is received.
- NPU and SVU are considered as blacklisted universities in USA.
- Some headlines from two major news outlets looked like this
They Went To US With College Dreams. Returned After 3 Days In Jail (NDTV)
We were treated like criminals despite valid visa, says student deported by the US (Times of India)
So, here’s my take about
NPU and SVU Blacklisted Universities in USA?
Silicon Valley University (SVU)
National Polytechnic University (NPU)
Is NPU and SVU blacklisted?
I don’t know. Unless there’s some announcement (or raid ) by some Federal Agency, I can’t say if NPU or SVU is blacklisted (or under investigation). What do blacklisted universities mean?
Unless there’s some announcement (or raid ) by some Federal Agency, I can’t say if NPU or SVU is blacklisted (or under investigation).
Denied Entry into Visa at the Port of Entry
F1 Visa – Issued by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy Abroad (falls under Department of State)
CBP officer at the Port of Entry (falls under Department of Homeland Security)
After you land in any airport for the first time in the USA, you would have to clear Immigration and Customs. Learn about what happens at U.S. Port of Entry.
You have to know something about the U.S. Visa vs. Port of Entry (Source: What is U.S. Visa).
USA visa port of entry
It clearly states this While having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose..
When travelers arrive at Port of Entry, if CBP officer has doubt’s about you and purpose of visit, then you could be taken to secondary inspection area for additional questioning.
Looks like 14 students were questioned, not sure if it was at Port of Entry or after entering U.S. and they were deported after spending three days in the jail. I haven’t confirmed the news about 14 Indian students spending three days in the holding cell or jail. But, Air India says that 14 students have been flown back who were attending NPU or SVU.
So far, 14 students who traveled on Air India flights to San Francisco have been deported. Students travel on a one-way ticket to the US and, in the event of deportation, incur huge expenditure to buy a ticket back to India on first available service. Further, seats are often not available on any airlines to travel back. – Air India Statement.
Based on what I have seen, looks like student’s were not prepared to come to the USA. They weren’t able to answer the questions asked by CBP officer about the university.
“Do you even know how much money you will need to have on December 29th?”.
Prepare for Port of Entry Interview
There are some questionable universities (or you can call them degree mill). Some students with poor grades and low credentials do get admission and visa to attend such universities.
Also, there are some universities that offer “Day 1 CPT” programs. Students who couldn’t get H1B Visa, attend such universities to stay legally in the USA, which continuing to work using CPT.
I’m not arguing about the pros and cons of such schools. It’s the job of ICE and other agencies to ensure that SEVP certified institutes follow the law of the land.
But, Deportation (or denial of admission into the USA) in the scenario similar to this, I think its 100% student’s fault. So, come prepared while you are entering U.S.A.
We don’t know why 14 students were deported. This student came to the USA in Emirates Airline and was denied entry based on the questions asked and answers. If you read the Q&A, it’s not tough to figure out why this student was denied entry.
If you applied to universities on your efforts, you shouldn’t have to worry. That effort and knowledge should be good enough to answer the questions asked at the port of entry. If you applied via consulting company and had ZERO clue about why you want to study in the USA nor why you applied to some degree mill or low profile university (blacklisted in a generic term) then, you could be in for some trouble.
Message Posted at NPU Home Page
The following message was posted at NPU’s website home page
NPU university message
Unanswered Questions:
- Was it a mistake to deny 19 Indian students from flying to SFO by Air India?
- Why is Air India the only airline reporting deported Indian students?
- Why were 14 students deported?
- Did CBP deport only the students going to attend SVU and NPU?
- How can Air India know if students flying to other universities wouldn’t be deported?
- I hope this is not a publicity stunt by Air India to promote their new non-stop Delhi to SFO service.
I’m trying to find and talk to affected students (who were deported or denied by Air India from flying to the USA). If you know anyone, please let me know. I feel sad for those affected students and others. I want to know more, help others who are following this news and to provide clarity on several unanswered questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be worried about flying to the USA for Spring 2016 ( or later)?
No, you shouldn’t be worried. But, come prepared. Know the university. CBP officer could ask you more questions that you would normally expect due to recent attacks.
How to prepare for the new questions at the port of entry?
Speak the truth. It’s easy when you tell the truth and intentions. OIf you are coming to study in a specific university, then you should know the college. What you are
- What are you going to study?
- What are the total fees?
- Who is going to pay the fees?
- Where are you going to stay?
- Name of the professors, research, etc.
- I applied via a consultant, and I don’t know much about the university. What should I do?
I have always said that your journey to study abroad begins not after you come to the USA ( or any country), but right when you start planning to study abroad. You are giving away that opportunity by paying a consultant. If you are a genuine student, you shouldn’t have any problems answering the questions.
Should I go into panic mode?
No, not at all. If you have any questions, please post them below. Don’t change your plans.
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