US denies visa to 8 orphan Indian Kids

New Delhi, Nov 23: United States denied visas to eight Indian orphan children who are part of a choir group with an NGO despite their NGO having an invitation from a US body.

"It means that we are orphans so we can't dream," said an orphan.

"We practiced for eight months. Now it will all go waste," said another orphan.

It's a dream for 22-year-old Pinky Biswas and her team of 8 to 10 years old children who worked hard for eight months to perform in the World choir as these children were chosen to represent India in the choir. Even, the children got the opportunity to tour 20 cities in the US over the next ten months. But the US embassy refused their visas just two days before their departure.

"I am frustrated. I knew it might take some effort, but never thought that Visa will be denied," said Heather Pedersen, member of International Children's Network.

The international Children's network, which organised the Choir with these children had received invitation letters from several US Senators and state Governors.

"This is not he first time we are sending delegates to the US. Three delegations have gone earlier as well," said Reena Tete, director of Udayan Care.

The embassy gave a general response over the issue.

"The US law prohibits us from disclosing details of individual visa cases. As US law provides for the confidentiality of visa records, the long standing policy of the Department of State is not to comment publicly on individual visa cases," said the embassy.

OneIndia News