FORT LAUDERDALE August 14, 2001: On the eve of India's Independence Day, The Association of Indians in America (AIA) has urged President Bush, Secretary Powell and the Attorney General Ashcroft in separate letters to adopt an immigration policy based on fairness. This request was prompted by Administration's consideration of proposal to grant Resident Alien status to three million illegal immigrants from Mexico.

AIA National President Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal justified the request by citing the extraordinary contribution made by the H-1B Visa holders to the economy of this country. He also emphasized that to retain these highly trained technologically advanced H-1B people, drawn from several different nations, is in America's best interest from both an economic and national security perspective. The Secretary of State, while making remarks on the issue of Mexican migrants, recently said that he favored a humane approach with a focus on fairness.

AIA contends that given President Bush's policy of compassion, General Powell's humane approach to immigration and Attorney General's commitment to fairness in the development of immigration policies, the request for all H-1B visa holders to be given Permanent Resident status should be a logical step, especially if the Administration proceeds to legalize the three million undocumented Mexican migrants.

For more information, contact Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal at the numbers/address given below.