1. US and Them

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS1: Indian Diaspora GS2: International Relations, Bilateral Relations – India-US GS4: Ethics in International Relations

Context

The editorial reflects on the discriminatory visa and immigration policies of the United States, especially targeting foreign students from countries like India. It highlights the wider geopolitical and moral implications of such policies at a time when America’s influence as a liberal world leader is under question.

Background:

• In recent months, the United States has introduced increasingly restrictive immigration and visa policies, particularly affecting foreign students.
• These measures, intensified by heightened scrutiny under the US Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), have caused concern among students from countries like India.
• The targeting of student visas is seen as symbolic of America’s shifting stance on global openness and leadership, prompting international criticism.

Declining Openness in US Immigration Policy

• Editorial criticizes the erosion of America’s traditional image as a welcoming place for international students.

• Focuses on heightened restrictions for foreign students (e.g., scrutiny by Homeland Security, stricter visa regimes).

• India is directly impacted as one of the largest senders of foreign students to the US.

Broader Implications for Global Perception

• Such policies signal a retreat from liberal values and openness.

• Trump-era policies and subsequent follow-throughs are seen as indicators of shrinking global moral leadership.

• The courtrooms in the US have become the battlegrounds for defending these values.

Impact on Indian Students and India-US Relations

• Indian students face more barriers, visa rejections, and uncertainty.

• This undermines academic mobility and intellectual collaboration.

• Editorial suggests that these policies could prompt countries like India to invest more in their own higher education capacity.

Ethical Dimensions and Soft Power

• America’s appeal was once based on liberal values, openness, and opportunity.

• A shift towards xenophobia and discrimination hurts the credibility of its democratic institutions.

• It questions the moral responsibility of democracies towards global talent and marginalized groups.

Conclusion / Way Forward –

• India must leverage this opportunity to reform and strengthen its domestic education system.

• Global south countries must collaborate to create alternative centers of academic excellence.

• The US must introspect whether security fears justify such sweeping policies that contradict its founding values.

• Academic and diplomatic ties should not fall victim to short-term political calculations.

Practice Question: How do recent changes in US immigration and visa policies impact India’s student diaspora and bilateral educational ties?  (GS2 – 10 marks)

 

Read more – 23 May 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis