Beware of predatory visa fraud rings: U.S. to Indian students

July 30, 2011 09:17 am | Updated November 17, 2021 03:50 am IST - Washington

Students of University of Northern Virginia (UNVA) wait in the parking lot of the university while FBI and ICI were conducting raids at the university's administrative campus on suspected charges of alleged visa fraud, in Washington on Thursday.

Students of University of Northern Virginia (UNVA) wait in the parking lot of the university while FBI and ICI were conducting raids at the university's administrative campus on suspected charges of alleged visa fraud, in Washington on Thursday.

U.S. has cautioned Indian students, who are planning to come to America, to be alert to the existence of predatory visa fraud rings and fraudulent document vendors.

The statement gains significance in the wake of raid on yet another U.S. university on the alleged charges of visa fraud.

“We caution them to be alert to the existence of these so-called predatory visa fraud rings and fraudulent document vendors,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference.

Mr. Toner said the U.S. is looking into the issue of raid by federal authorities at University of Northern Virginia (UNVA).

“We are following the case closely, and we’re in communication with the Government of India officials on it,” he said.

Embassy New Delhi has briefed the Ministry of External Affairs as well and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have been in contact with the Indian Embassy here, he said.

“This is an investigation that’s ongoing, so I’m limited in what I can give in terms of details. But it’s important to note that a hundred thousand Indians are receiving a good education at certified U.S. institutions each year, and we certainly welcome the contribution of Indian students wishing to study in the United States,” Mr. Toner said.

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