Press Releases 2007

U.S. Embassy Stands Tough on Visa Fraud

June 8, 2007                   (Hindi)  (Urdu)

New Delhi -- The U.S. Embassy has referred seven cases of visa fraud to Indian law enforcement for criminal investigation since June 1.  These police referrals include all visa categories, including religious workers, temporary skilled workers (H1Bs), students, and general tourist/business travelers.

The U.S. Embassy takes visa fraud very seriously and works closely with Indian law enforcement to identify and help prosecute perpetrators.  Indian citizens have been repeatedly cautioned against using fraudulent documents or seeking advice from unauthorized organizations or individuals. U.S. Embassy officials have noted that while visa interview appointments may now be more readily available and processing more efficient, U.S. immigration laws have not changed. 

Addressing this subject, David C. Mulford, U.S. Ambassador to India, stressed, "Producing or submitting false papers is consumer fraud and a criminal act.  Those who pay such brokers and submit false papers do so at great risk."

The seven recent cases of visa fraud underline the strong and productive cooperation the U.S. Embassy has with Indian law enforcement organizations.  In the past year alone, the U.S. Embassy has referred 57 separate individual visa fraud investigations to Indian law enforcement for further investigation or prosecution. 

While these 57 investigations include only the most egregious cases of visa fraud, U.S. Embassy staff on a daily basis identify fraudulent visa applications utilizing state of the art technology and sophisticated investigative techniques.  Once an applicant has been caught committing fraud, he or she is generally barred from ever receiving a visa to the U.S. 

At the same time, the U.S. Embassy remains committed to assisting all legitimate travelers from India to visit the U.S. and to process their visa applications courteously and as quickly as possible.