US lawmakers urge Biden admin to address visa wait time issue in India on priority basis

Washington, Jun 8 (PTI) Describing India as an important partner where people-to-people relationship plays a significant role, top US lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to address the visa wait time issue in the country on a priority basis.

Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Michael Waltz, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, during two separate Congressional hearings on Consular Affairs Budget asked top State Department officials why people in India were facing visa wait time up to 600 days.

"The United States enjoys strong people to people ties with India. India is now part of the QUAD. We are constantly engaging it in geostrategic interests that we have. New Jersey is home to a great number of Indian Americans and their families. I appreciate and applaud the department's heightened focus towards reducing wait times for first time B1-B2 applicants in India,” Menendez said.