VALIDATION STUDY OF NEW DELHI'S P3 PERFORMERS

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 001299

SIPDIS


CA/FPP FOR JILL NYSTROM, PLEASE PASS TO DHS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFRD CVIS CMGT ASEC IN
SUBJECT: VALIDATION STUDY OF NEW DELHI'S P3 PERFORMERS

REF: (A) NEW DELHI 0007 (B) NEW DELHI 575 (C) NEW DELHI 619 (D) NEW
DELHI 638 (E) CHENNAI 157


1. SUMMARY: As one of a series of validation studies (reftels A-D)
by Embassy New Delhi, Fraud Prevention personnel undertook a
validation of P3 visas issued in FY 2008. Given the size of the
groups that often apply for P3 visas, and the concomitant risk of a
few "extras" thrown in, we have given these cases additional
scrutiny. The study showed an overstay rate of approximately 5%,
giving us feedback on our work thus far and ammunition for continued
close oversight of these groups. END SUMMARY.


2. P3 performing groups that apply at Embassy New Delhi generally
range in size from 5-15 performers, many with some prior travel to
the U.S. or elsewhere. The size of the groups and variability among
the time and experience of their members, leave open the possibility
of someone paying for a spot not as a genuine performer, but simply
to get the visa. Therefore, the NIV and Fraud Prevention Units have
adopted a standard operating procedure whereby such groups submit
their passports and supporting documentation in advance. The FPU
then will confirm with some of the booked event locations that the
performers are expected; call some of the applicants' neighbors to
see if they are known as musicians, comedians, etc.; and review the
petitioner's history of past travel and whether all applicants have
returned.


3. In FY 2008 343 total P3 applicants were issued visas. During
that period, a total of 817 applicants applied and 56% percent were
refused given concerns about their lack of time with the group, lack
of travel history, and/or FPU background investigations as noted
above. Of those issued, 18 appear to have overstayed their visas,
giving an overstay rate of 5.2%. One Tibetan P3 visa holder has
claimed asylum.


4. Of the 18 noted above, five of six members of a Tibetan
performance group (including the one who claimed asylum) are still
in the United States. Reftel E reported on concerns about Tibetan
applicants for all visa categories. Also worth noting were a group
of 21 Tibetan monks, of whom 16 extended their P3 status from an
initial expiration of December 2008 to an expiration of December

2009. They were billed as working with an Emory University's Tibet
Initiative, that they would give performances, and that the money
would go to their monastery.


5. Several others were members of groups that had multiple
overstays and have now been added to our watch phrase list. Several
of those now in the United States had previous travel to the U.S.
and/or the UK, something we usually look for in "good" performers.
One actually used his P3 properly, but appears to have overstayed a
subsequently-issued B1/B2 visa, once his family could go with him.
One was not a performer per se, but a practitioner of a sport known
as Kabbadi.


6. (SBU) COMMENT: The P3 groups continue to give cause for extra
scrutiny. Recent "poison pen" letters from some associated with the
Punjabi cultural entertainment industry encouraged our careful
review of the groups before their arrival for an interview. We will
build our files of those groups who "lose" members and try our best
to find the right profile of entertainers whose intentions are
merely to perform in the U.S. temporarily. END COMMENT.

BURLEIGH