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February 24, 2006
Blocking . . . - an update
An update on the previous posting on the controversy over the refusal to grant a visa to an Indian scientist - Washington Post - U.S. Approves Visa for Indian Scientist:
State Department officials said yesterday that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has granted a visa to a prominent Indian scientist who said he was accused of deception and potential links to chemical weapons production when he applied to a U.S. consulate. Goverdhan Mehta said he was told two weeks ago that his visa had been "refused" and that his expertise in chemistry could be a threat to U.S. national security. The case caused a furor in India just days before a visit by President Bush next week that is aimed at building warmer ties between the world's two largest democracies.
Goverdhan Mehta said he was told two weeks ago that his visa had been "refused" and that his expertise in chemistry could be a threat to U.S. national security. The case caused a furor in India just days before a visit by President Bush next week that is aimed at building warmer ties between the world's two largest democracies.
Reached at his home, however, Mehta said that he had already canceled his travel plans and declined a visiting professorship at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He said the issuance of a visa will not change his decision.
A reversal of the visa decision is all well and good. But the real issue is a revamping of the process that led to that decision. Where is the State Department announcement that it is reviewing procedures?
Without that, it is like a driver who hits your car, apologizes, pays for the damage and speeds off at 100 mph. Nothing has changed.
Posted by Ken Jarboe at February 24, 2006 9:55 AM
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