30 Senators Demand State Department Clear Student Visa Backlog Before Fall Semester

Senator Alex Padilla led 29 colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on August 11, 2026, urging the State Department to immediately prioritize processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, warning that appointment shortages at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are putting the start of the academic year at risk for international students. The senators cited significant economic stakes as well as national security interests, arguing that international students foster diplomatic ties and cross-cultural relationships that are undermined when visa delays deter students from choosing U.S. institutions. The letter calls on the State Department to extend interview waivers for vetted returning students, ensure adequate consular staffing, and engage more transparently with universities and other stakeholders. The letter also demands written answers to a list of questions about how visa interview slots are being allocated, what new vetting procedures have been implemented since 2025, and how many applications have been refused as a result.