Thu Jan 30 07:29:38 UTC 2025: ## Over 7,000 Indian Students Overstayed US Visas in 2023: Expert Calls for Reform

**Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2025** – A significant number of Indian students and exchange visitors overstayed their visas in the United States during 2023, prompting calls for immigration policy reform. Testimony before the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary revealed that over 7,000 Indian nationals alone exceeded their visa terms, representing the highest number among all countries.

Jessica M. Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies highlighted the issue, stating that four countries – Brazil, China, Colombia, and India – each had more than 2,000 overstays. Overall, 32 countries exhibited student/exchange visitor overstay rates exceeding 20%, with F and M visa categories showing the highest rates.

Vaughan advocated for several changes, including:

* **Reforming student visa policies:** Eliminating the “dual intent” concept (allowing applicants to express both study and immigration intentions) and requiring a demonstrable intent to return home after studies.
* **Restricting H-1B visas:** Limiting H-1B visas (for specialty occupations) to two years with a possible four-year extension, eliminating automatic extensions based on Green Card petitions, and capping the total number at 75,000 or less. Priority would be given to higher-paying employers as a proxy for higher-skilled workers. Federal agencies would be allowed to sponsor visa workers only under very limited circumstances.
* **Addressing labor market claims:** Vaughan argued that the U.S. does not face a labor shortage, citing millions of unemployed or underemployed Americans, including a significant number of STEM degree holders.
* **Targeting staffing companies:** Banning staffing companies from sponsoring foreign visa workers due to their association with potentially exploitative practices.
* **Holding employers accountable:** Implementing measures to hold employers accountable for high overstay rates among their sponsored workers.

These recommendations aim to address concerns about visa overstays and protect American workers, according to Vaughan’s testimony. The hearing focused on “Restoring Immigration Enforcement in America.”

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