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Rubio says immigration rules must adapt to “modern times” during India trip
The U.S. Secretary of State argued that all decisions are to be taken in "national interest."
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Mon, 25, May 2026
- 04:13 EDT
- 48
Marco Rubio / Department of State's X account
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the stricter immigration policy adopted by the Donald Trump administration, describing immigration policies as a "process that is adjusted every era to the realities of modern times in which we live."
Talking to the Indian media at a joint press conference with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Rubio's comments came in response to questions about visa delays and a tightened H-1B policy being thorns in India-U.S. ties.
Rubio responded, "We've had a migratory crisis in the United States. This is not because of India, but broadly we had over 20 million people illegally enter the United States over the last few years and we've had to address that challenge."
The close aide of President Donald Trump argued that all decisions, including decisions about immigration, are to be taken in "national interest."
He continued, "The United States, I believe, is the most welcoming country in the world on immigration," subsequently reiterating the need for adjusting the long-standing immigration policy to suit the era's demands.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Everything you do as a country needs to be in your national interest. That includes immigration policy.
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 24, 2026
The U.S. is a welcoming country on immigration, but it has to be a process that is adjusted in every era to the realities of the modern times we live in. pic.twitter.com/VjVXPpv2cY
ALSO READ: In meeting with PM Modi, Rubio emphasises US energy products can diversify India's energy supply
During the same press conference, Jaishankar notified media that he had urged Secretary Rubio to ensure that legal travelers have a smooth experience.
He said, "I apprised Secretary Rubio of challenges that legitimate travelers face in respect of visa issuance. While we cooperate to deal with illegal and irregular mobility, our expectation is that legal mobility would not be adversely impacted as a consequence."
Breaking: India raises visa and immigration delays with America
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) May 24, 2026
"I apprised Secretary Rubio of the challenges legitimate travelers face in visa issuances. While we cooperate on combating illegal migration, our expectation is that legal mobility will not be adversely impacted." pic.twitter.com/WuLyDB4QYO
Secretary Rubio, talking to the media, acknowledged the significance of immigration and highlighted his own family's immigration story.
He said, "My parents entered the United States as permanent residents in 1956 from Cuba and so it's a process that's enriched us."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently on a four-day official visit to India.
He began the trip in Kolkata and held key meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to strengthen bilateral ties on trade, defense, energy and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
The visit also includes a Quad foreign ministers meeting and cultural stops, such as a tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra, as part of efforts to repair and elevate U.S.-India relations.
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