Deportation row: Not blacklisted by US, say two California universities
Washington: The two California-based universities have said they have not been blacklisted by the US which was cited as reasons for the recent deportation of 14 Indian students and prevention of another 19 from flying out of India.
The two universities - Silicon Valley University and Northwestern Polytechnic University- said they have been told by the US Customs and Border Protection that they have not been blacklisted by the US Government or any of its agencies.
However, the two universities said that there has been increased security and questioning at the port of entry in view of the recent terrorist attacks in the country. As such they asked students coming to the US to have all the necessary documents in their possession before they leave their country.
"Recently there are some rumour on SVU has been targeting to proceed extra screening measures or even alleging SVU has been 'blacklisted'. These rumours are absolutely false. SVU is valid educational institution. Students at SVU are not being targeted and safe to study in the US," the Silicon Valley University said in a statement.
"It has been brought to the attention of Northwestern Polytechnic University officials that false reports are being disseminated by certain media outlets and other groups that Northwestern Polytechnic University has been blacklisted by the United States government. These reports are absolutely and completely false," the NPU said in a separate statement.
Northwestern Polytechnic University officials have spoken with a US Customs and Border Protection representative and it is the representative's understanding that no US government agency has blacklisted NPU and that there is no general order for US Customs officers to refuse entry into the US by NPU students, it said.
"Due to the recent attack in Paris, stricter customs screening measures are being applied to all travellers to the US," the university said. NPU said students are specifically experiencing difficulties with Air India.
"The university is reaching out to Air India corporate officials and US embassy personnel to resolve this misunderstanding as soon as possible," the university said. "If you plan to travel by Air India, we suggest that, if possible, you postpone your trip while university officials clear up this issue with Air India," the university said.
Both the universities have asked the incoming students to have all the necessary original documents in their possession.
These include passport, visa, the university acceptance package, I-20 issued by the university, proof of financial independence or support, proof that they qualify to study in the US, and travel documents issued by them.
