EDUCATION and immigration advocates are raising concerns over the significant hurdles African students encounter when seeking visas to study in the United States, as they face markedly higher denial rates compared to students from other regions. A report from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, released in July 2023, highlighted the severity of this issue.
Fanta Aw, executive director of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, expressed alarm over the data revealing disproportionately high visa refusal rates for African students. ‘Whenever we see that sort of data for any country, let alone a region of the world, it gives us pause,’ Aw told VOA, underscoring the need for thorough investigation and reforms in visa adjudication.
In 2022, half of the students from African countries who applied for US student visas were denied, with denial rates reaching alarming levels for specific nations in 2023. For instance, Ethiopian students faced a staggering 78 percent denial rate, followed closely by Nigeria at 75 percent, Kenya at 74 percent, Congo at 69 percent, and others as outlined in the report.
Aw emphasized the urgency of addressing the root causes behind these disparities. ‘There needs to be assurance that consular officers on the ground are fully trained in the way they make determinations around this, that there is consistency in that,’ she stressed. The lack of visa appointment slots compounded the issue, with demand far exceeding availability.
The impact of high visa denial rates extends beyond individual applicants. Leon Fresco, a Washington-based immigration lawyer, noted that such disparities discourage prospective students from pursuing US educational opportunities. ‘Word goes around, “Don’t bother, because you’re never going to make it,”’ Aw lamented, emphasising the detrimental effect on international education and talent acquisition.
While US officials have acknowledged the importance of international students, efforts to rectify visa adjudication disparities are ongoing. The State Department highlighted initiatives like EducationUSA, aimed at promoting US higher education in Africa, amidst rising demand for student visas across multiple regions.
Despite some progress, including the waiving of in-person interviews for visa renewals announced in December, advocates stress the need for broader reforms. Congressional leaders have also urged greater attention to equity in student exchange programmes and visa adjudication, emphasising the diplomatic and economic benefits of fostering global educational partnerships.
The forthcoming report on international student visa issuance and denials, expected in October, will provide further insights into efforts to promote equitable access to US education for African students and address visa adjudication disparities.