Schaumburg, IL: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze new student visa interviews:

“I strongly oppose the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to freeze new student visa interviews and consider sweeping, undefined social media vetting for international students. International students help drive cutting-edge research, fuel our universities, and build the industries of tomorrow. These young people are not only scholars and innovators — they are vital to America’s economic strength and national security. By developing the next generation of technologies and the good-paying jobs that come with them, they help ensure the United States remains a global leader. 

International students are drawn to our shores by the American Dream and the values that define us: freedom of thought, opportunity through education, and the strength of diverse perspectives. Shutting them out is not only discriminatory — it’s a strategic blunder. It weakens our global competitiveness and risks surrendering America’s leadership in innovation to nations that welcome the world’s talent with open arms. We must remain a country that opens doors to those who seek to learn, contribute, and help build a better future — not one that closes them out of fear.”