Over three lakh illegal Indian migrants living in US: Official

AHMEDABAD: Claiming that there were over three lakh illegal Indian migrants residing in the US, a top official of the American Embassy on Wednesday expressed concern over the increasing number of fraudulent visa applications being received from "illegitimate" applicants.

"As per the US government figures of 2005, Indians are the fastest growing population in the United States," the Consular General at US Embassy, Peter G Kaestner, said.

"Indians are increasing at the rate of 40,000 per year," he said.

"At present there are over three lakh illegal migrants from India living in different parts of the US," he said while expressing concern over the unprecedented rush of unqualified and illegitimate visa applicants in the recent weeks.

Kaestner said in Mumbai alone the number of visa applications had more than doubled as compared to last year.

"Due to this our refusal rate has also increased," he said, adding refusal rate in Delhi had increased by 60 per cent while in Mumbai it as high as 73 per cent.

The Consul General said they were receiving visa application even from rickshaw drivers and street vendors.

"We see no reason for rickshaw drivers and street vendors to got to US on tourist visas or for business purposes."

He said such illegitimate applicants were misusing tourist and student visas to gain entry into the US.

According to Kaestner, the unprecedented rush of visa applicants was because it has become easy to get visa appointments.

Kaestner, who is also the Consular (Visa) section at the US Embassy, said they were encountering large number of visa frauds in Mumbai and Delhi.

"In the last year-and-a-half we opened 50 criminal cases in Delhi against visa applicants who submitted false documents, including bank statements."

He also asked probable applicants not to approach agents while applying for US visas.

"Visa agents are not part of the process and there is no reason for applicants to use visa agents."

Kaestner pointed out that the necessary information was available on their official website.

He said the US Embassy was also preparing a list of visa agents who engage in fraudulent activities.

"Because of the high number of ineligible applicants our systems are becoming clogged and the legitimate traveller is at a disadvantage," he said, adding about 400-500 visa applications were processed every day by the Embassy.

"I also wish to state that the US has not relaxed or changed any of its visa laws," the official said remarked.

"However, all genuine students, workers, tourists and businessmen who would like to visit US on short-term temporary visas are invited."

Asked if Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi would finally get a visa to visit the US, Kaestner choose not to comment. "I do not comment on individual cases," he remarked.

Modi was denied a visa to the US in the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, a decision which was criticised by the central government.