Turkey ranked thirteenth in terms of the number of foreign nationals studying in the U.S.A. from 2015 to 2016. However, this scenario will likely change now that Turkey has officially been added the growing list of nations where American non-immigrant visas operations have been suspended.
Two days ago, the U.S. State Department said it was suspending all non-immigrant visa services at its diplomatic offices in Turkey. The reason for this action is that the Turkish government has arrested a U.S. consulate employee and has charged him with terrorism because of his supposed links to Pennsylvania based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.
According to CBS News,
the U.S. Embassy in the Turkish capital of Ankara tweeted a statement from the U.S. Mission to Turkey saying that recent events have forced it to it to “reassess the commitment of the Government of Turkey to the security of U.S. Mission facilities and personnel.”
This week, Turkish authorities arrested a U.S. Consulate employee of Turkish nationality for alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who the Turkish government blames for last summer’s failed coup. Gulen denies involvement.
We, therefore, urge all U.S. college-bound Turkish students to pay close attention to this situation as the details unfold. Given this, we advise Turkish students to consider deferring their entry dates in order to secure a spot for next viable term.
Given the continued erratic behavior of the Trump Administration, we suggest all foreigners planning to study in the U.S. apply for a student visa as soon as they become eligible. Furthermore, always be prepared diplomatic turmoil between our respective governments for as long as Donald Trump remains President of the United States. TODAY’S FUN FACT:
Did you know that your student visa is issued and regulated by two separate U.S. government agencies?
“The State Department is responsible for the visa application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then takes over as the responsible agency for entry into the country, as well as issuing and enforcing international student regulations.” -educationusa.state.gov
Related Reading
- Attention! Trump Signs New Travel Ban
- U.S. Limits Visas for Asian and African Nations. Will Your Country be the Next?
- U.S. Embassy: All non-immigrant visa operations across Russia will be suspended, starting August 23
What’s going on between the two countries? I thought Trump and my government are good friends.
Bloomberg (10/12/17): Trump now suffers the delusion that a personal relationship with Turkey’s autocratic leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, can advance U.S. interests. Instead, this putative ally is acting like an enemy.
The short paragraph says a lot about the relationship between U.S. and Turkey now.