US proud to host Indian students, justice will be given in Tri Valley scam: Roemer

New Delhi, Feb 16 (ANI): In wake of Indian students having been caught in the California based Tri-Valley University visa fraud scam, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer has underscored the commitment of his country to proudly welcome foreign students and to assure them that they have the most positive and constructive experience possible.

The Ambassador said: "The U.S. is very proud to host the more than 100,000 Indian students studying in America - these students are an important and contributing part of the American academic community."

"As a father, I understand the joy of seeing a child focus on their studies and succeed - and as the U.S. representative in India, I ensure that my team is fully committed to helping students make the best informed educational decisions possible," he said

Assuring free and fair treatment to the duped students, Roemer said: "We are working closely with the Indian Government on the issue of Tri-Valley University and ensuring the fair and appropriate treatment of Indian students."

"Moreover, there are many resources publicly available to help students educate themselves on the dangers of predatory visa fraud rings and to protect them from committing visa fraud. Visa fraud has universally harmful effects, whether it is committed by Americans or Indians, and can diminish opportunities for other aspiring students," he said.

"It is wrong to fraudulently exploit the hopes and dreams of young students for financial gain and it is important that all prospective students take advantage of the free resources offered to them by the Embassy and fully research the academic options available to them," Roemer added.

The California-based University was shut down on charges of a massive visa fraud. According to a federal complaint filed in a California court in January, the university helped foreign nationals illegally acquire immigration status.

The university is said to have 1,555 students, with as many as 95 per cent of these being Indian nationals, the complaint said. (ANI)