Washington DC
           
The Embassy of India and the Consulates General have worked with the US authorities for early resolution of the problems faced by former students of the Tri-Valley University.

Following Ambassador’s letter of February 16, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had responded on February 22 conveying, inter-alia, that “the Department of State continues to follow this case closely and is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the Government of India to ensure fair and appropriate treatment of the students.”  Reiterating the strong commitment to foster educational exchanges with India, the Secretary of State also said, “Indian students make a strong contribution to both our countries and it is among my priorities to ensure that this pillar of our partnership remains strong”.

The Embassy had subsequently been informed by US authorities that more than 50% of the students were at various stages of processing for reinstatement. Other students were advised to contact ICE on their website (www.ice.gov/sevis), or contact their call center at telephone 703-603-3400 to initiate the consideration of their cases.

            On March 2, 2011 a group of former students of the Tri-Valley University had a meeting with the Ambassador.   Representatives from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) were also invited to be present.

There was a detailed and useful discussion and exchange of information on the manner in which the problems of students at Tri-Valley University are being addressed, and some of the continuing concerns of the students.

  It was agreed that the students and representatives from ICE and SEVP would remain in touch with the Embassy to continue to work together for early resolution of the issue.