I want to congratulate all Jamaican students who have received offers of admission from one of the over 4,700 accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States.

Graduates of US universities have gone on to become leaders and innovators in many fields around the world, and you should be proud of the invitation to join this special and select group of young people whose lives will be changed forever by the dynamism, openness, and quality of campuses across the United States.

Offers of admission are the product of much careful thought and hard work, both by the students who apply and by American colleges and universities that conduct a rigorous review of these applications. We recognise the energy and creativity you poured into essays about your dreams and ideas, the hard work it took to prepare for admissions examinations, and the commitments you fulfilled to community service and extra-curricular interests.

Over one million international students are now in US higher education institutions, maintaining the United States’ long-standing position as the world’s top host nation for international students. This is a testament to the unmatched quality of American higher education in the eyes of international students and their families.

The Jamaican student population has increased significantly since the 2008 global recession. In the previous academic year alone, the Jamaican student population in the US increased by 11.4 per cent. Many of these students received admission offers from prestigious US universities for their unrivalled academic achievement, athletic excellence, and outstanding leadership qualities.

International students strengthen ties between the United States and countries around the world, developing the relationships between people and communities that are necessary to solve global challenges. We value inclusion and actively support students from diverse backgrounds on our campuses. Colleges and universities across the United States value international students for the unique and diverse perspectives they provide both in and out of the classroom. American universities and communities benefit from the knowledge and talents of international students, which help prepare all of us for shared, successful futures in an interconnected world.

US colleges and universities take pride in providing safe, welcoming environments for all their students, and I want to stress how welcome you are in the United States. Many US universities have sent messages of welcome to students around the world through the #YouAreWelcomeHere Campaign ( www.youarewelcomehereusa.org). I join them in welcoming you to the United States, where our colleges and universities offer valuable educational opportunities to help you meet your life and career goals.

Consular officials at the US Embassy Kingston continue to work diligently to process student visa requests. Information about the student visa process is available at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html or at jm.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/.

EducationUSA advisers worldwide stand ready to answer questions about studying in the United States. You can contact US Embassy Kingston’s EducationUSA Advising Center by e-mail at jajones@educationusa.org or by phone at (876) 702-6172.

For those still considering study in the United States, EducationUSA advisers can provide valuable resources to help inform your decision. With over 4,700 accredited institutions in all 50 US states, there’s an American college or university that’s right for everyone. There are study options at many price points, including community colleges and “2 plus 2” models that combine study at a community college and a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

American colleges and universities welcome you, as do the American people and communities throughout our country.

As the Chargé d’Affaires to Jamaica, I personally congratulate and encourage those of you who have received offers of admission to accept this life-changing opportunity and join your peers in experiencing the unique value of an American higher education.