- Rubio addresses India's concerns over U.S. visa curbs, stating that immigration policy must be 'America First' under Trump.
- Rubio clarified that the policy changes are not targeted specifically at India, despite their significant contribution of high-skilled workers to the U.S. economy.
- Emphasizing the national interest, Rubio mentioned that everything a country does must align with its national interest, including immigration policy.
- Annually, around a million people become permanent residents of the U.S. and make significant contributions, Rubio noted.
- Modernization of the U.S. migration system has been highlighted, with over $20 billion invested in the U.S. economy by Indian companies.
- Rubio stressed that changes to the migration system are not focused solely on India but are instead global in nature.
- Addressing illegal immigration, Rubio stated that over 20 million people illegally entered the U.S. in recent years, necessitating reforms.
- Rubio acknowledged that any reform in immigration, like any system, involves a transition period, potentially leading to challenges.
At a press conference in New Delhi, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that immigration reform must prioritize national interests and the 'America First' policy under Trump.1
Rubio, a son of Cuban immigrants, acknowledged that recent changes to the immigration system have hit India hard, which supplies many high-skilled workers to the U.S. economy. “What I want to leave clear is that the changes… are not a system that is targeted at India,” he stated, highlighting India's importance as a strategic ally and vital trade partner.
Approximately 20 million people illegally entered the United States in recent years, compelling a need for reform to address illegal immigration challenges. The Secretary noted, “Every single year, a million people, roughly, become permanent residents of the United States and contribute greatly,” underscoring the contributions of immigrants.
Rubio stressed the ongoing transition in immigration policies is “not focused…it’s not India-specific; it is global,” indicating that modernization efforts are necessitated by past influxes of illegal entries. He assured, “Anytime you undertake a reform…there’s going to be a period of transition that’s going to create some friction points.”56
Despite these challenges, Rubio reiterated the significance of India in the context of U.S. immigration policy while stressing that the focus on national interest remains paramount.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that U.S. immigration policy must reflect national interest, labeling America as the 'most welcoming country.' He assured that the ongoing reforms are not aimed specifically at India, but affect global immigration dynamics.”
Fox News