HYDERABAD: The University of Northern Virginia (UNVA), which was accused of visa fraud by US authorities, has assured the state government officials here that they will conduct regular classes as per schedule forthe convenience of students. The US authorities have also assured that if UNVA is found guilty, they would take alternative measures and provide admissions to Indian students in other US varsities depending on their interests. Officials of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI) raided the Annandale campus of the university two-days ago and seized documents pertaining to students admissions. They alleged that the university admitted more students than permitted.UNVA has a total strength of 2,400 students and about 1,500 are said to be from Andhra Pradesh alone. The raid has left Indian students in a dilemma about their future. The Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Cell of the state is in touch with the UNVA management while having consultations with ICE officials over the current situation. N V Ramana Reddy, principal secretary and in-charge ofNRI Cell told Express on Saturday that the UNVA management has promised to provide admission to Indian students in other varsities if the varsity of found guilty.In the meantime, he said that “the university is conducting their classes asschedule.” The attendance of Indian students was reported to be less than local candidates after the incident came to light, he added. Reddy addedthat no complaints have been registered so far against UNVA by either students or their parents. “We will look into the matter when we receive complaints,” he said. UNVA also reiterated that all students are expected to attend classes and international students who fail to attend are jeopardising their stay in the US. Faculty members will conduct classes, despite seizure of some teaching materials, the management assured. “The indications coming in indicate that the students will not be affected. The university has been given a month’s time to explain their case,” an official in the know of developments, said. A day after immigration officials raided the varsity, UNVA management and ICE officials set up a hotlines for students at (703) 603-3400and (703) 941-0949.Chief Secy Asks MEA to Help AP Students As per directions of chiefminister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, chief secretary S V Prasad spoke to senior officials in External Affairs Ministry and requested them to protect the interests of students from AP who are pursuing various courses in UNVA. Prasad said that the foreign secretary has already contacted US officials in thisregard and they have assured to take necessary steps to protect Indian students.
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