US Envoy Eric Garcetti Expresses Hope for a Stronger Bridge in Immigration Relations
Eric Garcetti Highlights Indian-Origin CEOs’ Achievements and Strengthens Call for Robust Immigration Ties
New Delhi: U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti underscored the significant contributions of Indian-origin CEOs to the U.S., attributing their success to the opportunities provided by immigration. He expressed hope and strongly recommended that the "bridge" of immigration and education between India and the U.S. not only continue but become "even stronger" under the new presidential administration.
Speaking to PTI at the American Center, Garcetti highlighted the accomplishments of CEOs leading global tech giants like Google and Microsoft, emphasizing how their journeys were made possible through immigration opportunities. He remarked that immigration has enriched American life and continues to build stronger ties between the two nations.
Hope for Continued Collaboration Under Trump 2.0
Garcetti's comments come as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January, following his resounding electoral victory. The envoy noted that immigration and education remain key areas of collaboration and hoped the new administration would maintain and enhance these ties.
"I know President Trump values the relationship with India deeply, as evidenced by his strong rapport with Prime Minister Modi," Garcetti said. "It is my hope and recommendation to not only continue this bridge but to make it even stronger. Bring more Americans to India, and ensure the flow from India to the U.S. remains unhindered—both nations benefit from it."
Education: A Key Pillar of U.S.-India Ties
Garcetti also emphasized the educational partnership between the two countries, noting the record number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the U.S. According to the *Open Doors Report 2024*, the academic year 2023-24 saw an all-time high of 331,602 Indian students in U.S. universities—a 23% increase from the previous year.
"Our people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship," Garcetti said. "Indians are now the top international student group in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, with a 50% growth in the last two years alone."
Bridging Opportunities Through Immigration
Touching on immigration policies, Garcetti stressed how bipartisan efforts by Republican and Democratic administrations have strengthened U.S.-India ties over decades. Despite global trends of building barriers, he called for maintaining "a bridge with a giant open door" between the two nations.
"When we see leaders in government, commerce, medicine, and research who were educated in the U.S. or came through immigration pathways, we understand how fewer barriers lead to a better world," he said.
Garcetti concluded by expressing optimism about the future of U.S.-India relations, emphasizing the shared values and growing alignment between the two nations.