80% increase in US visas for Indians

[OhioChick]

June 03, 2008 14:00 IST

There has been 80 per cent increase in visas for Indians travelling to the United States, according to Consul General in Mumbai Michael S Owen.

A total of 2.26 lakh visas were issued last year, up from 1,25,000 in 2006.

"The government-to-government contacts are important but people-to-people contacts by non-stage actors are more important for the relationship," Owen said while delivering the Lincon Memorial Lecture organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.

"The Indo-US relationship has come a long way from what it used to be in the Cold War era," he said. The turning point in bilateral ties was former US President Bill Clinton's visit to India.

Owen said many experts were against the visit after India conducted nuclear tests. Still, Clinton was of the view that India will be an important global force in coming years.

"Now, India is considered to be a strategic partner by the US," said Owen.

Apart from the Indo-US nuclear deal, the two countries have reached an open skies agreement. Both sides are also engaged in a agriculture knowledge initative, a space cooperation programme and military cooperation," he said.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/jun/03visa1.htm

[MindPilot]

1. In other news, a dramatic 80% increase in unemployed IT workers...

IS there anyone is this miserable excuse for a government who gives a shit about the AMERICAN worker?

[sinkingfeeling]

2. The writer didn't copy that right.

"A total of 2.26 lakh visas were issued last year, up from 1,25,000 in 2006."

Should be: "A total of 2.26 lakh visas were issued last year, up from 1.25 lakh in 2006." - http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200806031441.htm

Is a lakh equal to 100,000?

[varun]

5. 1 lakh = 1,00,000

1 crore = 100 lakhs

[The Evolutionist]

3. US visas

US Visa isnt always H-1Bs. There are dozens of kinds of visas from student, tourist, exchange student, business, dependent, diplomat etc. Sheesh!

[Tempest]

4. In other news, DHS wants you to tell them if you're a terrorist

A Homeland Security spokesman said the new registrations would require the same information as the I-94 card, which is currently filled out by visitors to the US and turned in to customs on arrival in the country.

That information includes passport number, country of residence, and any involvement in terror activities.


Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7434374.stm