Over 3 lakh illegal Indian migrants living in US

AHMEDABAD: Claiming that there were over 3 lakh illegal Indian migrants residing in the US, a top official of the American Embassy today 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 told reporters.

"At present there are over 3 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 was 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 go 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.