A REFUGEE support group fears the political storm over failings in the immi- gration system will provoke anger against asylum seekers.
Alan Brook, of Kirklees Refugees and Friends Together, is worried the row will be used by some groups to incite anger towards asylum seekers.
The controversy broke out after a British Foreign Office diplomat claimed visas were being given to Bulgarians and Romanians despite warnings about forged documents.
Accusations were also made by Home Office worker Steve Moxon from Sheffield that key checks were being waived in order to fast-track visa applications.
Mr Brook said: "We are frightened that there will be a backlash. People will think all immigrants are here because of scams. The majority of our clients have genuine problems.
"The issue may also be used by xenophobic groups as a stick to beat asylum seekers with," he said.
The revelations led to Immigration Minister Beverley Hughes resigning last week.
Mr Brook believes Ms Hughes was used as a scapegoat.
He regularly liaises with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate - the Home Office department for immigration and asylum. He said he found the system unfair, chaotic and inefficient.
"It doesn't look at people on a case by case basis, said Mr Brook.
Many had fled from persecution.
"A large number get positive decisions, then the Home Office appeals. If court decisions are overturned, then people appeal against that. Quite a lot eventually win their cases and can stay."
Mr Brook said the process was a waste of public money. And while it was going on, the asylum seekers were not permitted to work and had to be supported by the state.
Conservative and Labour leaders have called for reviews of how the immigration service works.
