Is the US taking steps to expedite visa processing?

International students have long complained about the visa application process for the US but the US State Department is out with a statement this month that asserts the Obama Administration's interest in smoothing visa processing for international students. "The Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs gives student visa appointments special priority," the State Department said in its November 14 statement. "All U.S. embassies and consulates expedite visa processing for foreign students to ensure qualified students are able to begin their academic program on time. Worldwide, the maximum wait for a student visa appointment is fewer than 15 days." For more, please see the State Department website.