learning01
02-23 03:06 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/22/AR2006022202446_pf.html
Scientist's Visa Denial Sparks Outrage in India
By Shankar Vedantam
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 23, 2006; A01
A decision two weeks ago by a U.S. consulate in India to refuse a visa to a prominent Indian scientist has triggered heated protests in that country and set off a major diplomatic flap on the eve of President Bush's first visit to India.
The incident has also caused embarrassment at the highest reaches of the American scientific establishment, which has worked to get the State Department to issue a visa to Goverdhan Mehta, who said the U.S. consulate in the south Indian city of Chennai told him that his expertise in chemistry was deemed a threat.
In the face of outrage in India, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a highly unusual statement of regret, and yesterday the State Department said officials are reaching out to the scientist to resolve his case.
"It is very strange logic," said Mehta, reached at his home in Bangalore early this morning India time. "Someone is insulted and hurt and you ask him to come back a second round."
The consulate told Mehta "you have been denied a visa" and invited him to submit additional information, according to an official at the National Academy of Sciences who saw a copy of the document. Mehta said in a written account obtained by The Washington Post that he was humiliated, accused of "hiding things" and being dishonest, and told that his work is dangerous because of its potential applications in chemical warfare.
Mehta denied that his work has anything to do with weapons. He said that he would provide his passport if a visa were issued, but that he would do nothing further to obtain the document: "If they don't want to give me a visa, so be it."
The scientist told Indian newspapers that his dealing with the U.S. consulate was "the most degrading experience of my life." Mehta is president of the International Council for Science, a Paris-based organization comprising the national scientific academies of a number of countries. The council advocates that scientists should have free access to one another.
Visa rejections or delays for foreign academics after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have led to widespread complaints by U.S universities and scientific organizations, but the new incident comes when things are improving, said Wendy White, director of the Board of International Scientific Organizations. The board was set up by the National Academy of Sciences and has helped about 3,000 scientists affected by the new policies.
"This leaves a terrible impression of the United States," said White, who has seen a copy of the consulate's form letter to Mehta. In an interview yesterday, she added that top scientists had worked with senior State Department officials to reverse the decision before Bush's visit next week. "We want people to know the U.S. is an open and welcoming country."
Mehta's case has especially angered Indians because he was a director of the Indian Institute of Science and is a science adviser to India's prime minister. He has visited the United States "dozens of times," he said, and the University of Florida in Gainesville had invited him to lecture at an international conference.
State Department spokesman Justin Higgins denied yesterday that the United States had rejected Mehta's visa and said the consulate had merely followed standard procedure in dealing with applicants with certain kinds of scientific expertise.
In his written account, the scientist said that after traveling 200 miles, waiting three hours with his wife for an interview and being accused of deception, he was outraged when his accounts of his research were questioned and he was told he needed to fill out a detailed questionnaire.
"I indicated that I have no desire to subject myself to any further humiliation and asked that our passports be returned forthwith," he wrote. The consular official, Mehta added, "stamped the passports to indicate visa refusal and returned them."
Higgins declined to address why the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi had taken the unusual step of saying it "regrets" that Mehta was "upset by the visa interview process."
In its statement, the embassy said: "At the United States mission in India, and to varying degrees at every U.S. mission worldwide, certain cases involving high technology issues are among those that require review before consular officers in the field are authorized to issue a visa."
White said that issuing a visa would solve the immediate problem, but that it would be more difficult to undo the damage caused by the dispute. Mehta is a high-profile example of the hurdles imposed by the new visa procedures. They require all applicants to appear in person for interviews that are done in only a few locations in large countries such as India, White said.
"If you tell an American, 'If you want a visa to go to India, you have to go to Dallas, Chicago, L.A. or New York, and while you are there, you are going to be fingerprinted, photographed and asked about everything you have done in your research for the last 40 years,' we would find this procedure untenable as Americans," she said.
Mehta said in his written account that he had been invited by the University of Florida, where he has previously been a distinguished visiting professor. White said she expected the International Council for Science, also known as the ICSU, to issue a statement today about the case involving its president.
White and William Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering, acknowledged that young American consular officers in foreign countries have been under tremendous pressure since the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Making the wrong decision would be career-ending, so they play it safe, not really understanding the macroscopic implications of their decision," Wulf said. "Denying a visa to the president of ICSU is probably as dumb as you can get. This is not the way we can make friends."
�*2006*The Washington Post Company
Scientist's Visa Denial Sparks Outrage in India
By Shankar Vedantam
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 23, 2006; A01
A decision two weeks ago by a U.S. consulate in India to refuse a visa to a prominent Indian scientist has triggered heated protests in that country and set off a major diplomatic flap on the eve of President Bush's first visit to India.
The incident has also caused embarrassment at the highest reaches of the American scientific establishment, which has worked to get the State Department to issue a visa to Goverdhan Mehta, who said the U.S. consulate in the south Indian city of Chennai told him that his expertise in chemistry was deemed a threat.
In the face of outrage in India, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a highly unusual statement of regret, and yesterday the State Department said officials are reaching out to the scientist to resolve his case.
"It is very strange logic," said Mehta, reached at his home in Bangalore early this morning India time. "Someone is insulted and hurt and you ask him to come back a second round."
The consulate told Mehta "you have been denied a visa" and invited him to submit additional information, according to an official at the National Academy of Sciences who saw a copy of the document. Mehta said in a written account obtained by The Washington Post that he was humiliated, accused of "hiding things" and being dishonest, and told that his work is dangerous because of its potential applications in chemical warfare.
Mehta denied that his work has anything to do with weapons. He said that he would provide his passport if a visa were issued, but that he would do nothing further to obtain the document: "If they don't want to give me a visa, so be it."
The scientist told Indian newspapers that his dealing with the U.S. consulate was "the most degrading experience of my life." Mehta is president of the International Council for Science, a Paris-based organization comprising the national scientific academies of a number of countries. The council advocates that scientists should have free access to one another.
Visa rejections or delays for foreign academics after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have led to widespread complaints by U.S universities and scientific organizations, but the new incident comes when things are improving, said Wendy White, director of the Board of International Scientific Organizations. The board was set up by the National Academy of Sciences and has helped about 3,000 scientists affected by the new policies.
"This leaves a terrible impression of the United States," said White, who has seen a copy of the consulate's form letter to Mehta. In an interview yesterday, she added that top scientists had worked with senior State Department officials to reverse the decision before Bush's visit next week. "We want people to know the U.S. is an open and welcoming country."
Mehta's case has especially angered Indians because he was a director of the Indian Institute of Science and is a science adviser to India's prime minister. He has visited the United States "dozens of times," he said, and the University of Florida in Gainesville had invited him to lecture at an international conference.
State Department spokesman Justin Higgins denied yesterday that the United States had rejected Mehta's visa and said the consulate had merely followed standard procedure in dealing with applicants with certain kinds of scientific expertise.
In his written account, the scientist said that after traveling 200 miles, waiting three hours with his wife for an interview and being accused of deception, he was outraged when his accounts of his research were questioned and he was told he needed to fill out a detailed questionnaire.
"I indicated that I have no desire to subject myself to any further humiliation and asked that our passports be returned forthwith," he wrote. The consular official, Mehta added, "stamped the passports to indicate visa refusal and returned them."
Higgins declined to address why the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi had taken the unusual step of saying it "regrets" that Mehta was "upset by the visa interview process."
In its statement, the embassy said: "At the United States mission in India, and to varying degrees at every U.S. mission worldwide, certain cases involving high technology issues are among those that require review before consular officers in the field are authorized to issue a visa."
White said that issuing a visa would solve the immediate problem, but that it would be more difficult to undo the damage caused by the dispute. Mehta is a high-profile example of the hurdles imposed by the new visa procedures. They require all applicants to appear in person for interviews that are done in only a few locations in large countries such as India, White said.
"If you tell an American, 'If you want a visa to go to India, you have to go to Dallas, Chicago, L.A. or New York, and while you are there, you are going to be fingerprinted, photographed and asked about everything you have done in your research for the last 40 years,' we would find this procedure untenable as Americans," she said.
Mehta said in his written account that he had been invited by the University of Florida, where he has previously been a distinguished visiting professor. White said she expected the International Council for Science, also known as the ICSU, to issue a statement today about the case involving its president.
White and William Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering, acknowledged that young American consular officers in foreign countries have been under tremendous pressure since the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Making the wrong decision would be career-ending, so they play it safe, not really understanding the macroscopic implications of their decision," Wulf said. "Denying a visa to the president of ICSU is probably as dumb as you can get. This is not the way we can make friends."
�*2006*The Washington Post Company
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Kushal
06-18 05:57 PM
I am not getting any appointment in June with any doctor within 60 miles from my place. So I took an appointment with a doc 70+ miles away for end of june. The only problem is I need to go twice 70 miles one way. The clinic suggested I do the blood work in nearby county clinic, but the county clinic wants 7-10 days to get results of blood work. I asked them for HIV and Sephallius test to be done. I already got TB Skin test(tested negative) done at county clinic.
Can someone please tell what all blood tests need to be done, so I can check if any other doctor can do the blood work and I can save one 70 mile trip . Thanks.
Don't they have a package based on immigration requirements? You can get everything done by one surgeon..
Can someone please tell what all blood tests need to be done, so I can check if any other doctor can do the blood work and I can save one 70 mile trip . Thanks.
Don't they have a package based on immigration requirements? You can get everything done by one surgeon..
sadhumis
08-27 04:04 PM
frostrated,anu_t,cleopatra,amit_sp all you guys manythanks. I really appreciate your replies.
I will try to raise this point with my lawyer and employer.
My roles and responsibilities have changed over the years and they are completely different now.
Many thanks y'ALL
I will try to raise this point with my lawyer and employer.
My roles and responsibilities have changed over the years and they are completely different now.
Many thanks y'ALL
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reddy77
08-10 06:16 AM
Good to know and thanks for the update and hope your parents are doing well ...
more...
binadh
07-05 10:20 AM
Hey Gurus,
What are the chances for ROW-EB2 to go backlog in OCT 2007. My wife's employer is filing for the LABOR this month. We are keeping our finger's crossed that it will be current in OCT this year.
What do you guys think about that? Thanks.
What are the chances for ROW-EB2 to go backlog in OCT 2007. My wife's employer is filing for the LABOR this month. We are keeping our finger's crossed that it will be current in OCT this year.
What do you guys think about that? Thanks.
mariner5555
04-04 01:57 PM
I e-filed for EAD recently and got my biometrics appointment within two weeks, and got the card about 5 weeks after applying. My wife went through the paper process a few months back, and the card took nearly 3 months to arrive. So from this unscientific test, I think that e-filing is much faster for EAD at least.
Rgrant, coolguy ..Thank you v.much !!
Rgrant, coolguy ..Thank you v.much !!
more...
EndlessWait
07-23 08:08 PM
I am working for company A under H1-B visa and my PERM was approved early this year and my I-140 (EB2) is pending. I summitted I-485 last week since the PD is current again. Almost the same time, I moved to another department in the same company because of company reconstruction. The job seems to be having different requirements(>50% difference). I have a couple of questions:
1. Within how long I need to inform my company lawyer and then USCIS that my job changed within the same company?
2. What are the concequences if I do not inform my company laywer about my job change? Will USCIS know this in the future and deny my I-140 and I-485?
3. Will my pending I-140 get denied since my job requirement changed (if my company lawyer inform USICS)?
4. What are the possible outcomes for my I-485 under this job change situation?
5. Is that possible that I just stay there as nothing happened and wait for USCIS response to my I-140 and I-485?
6. What can be done in order to avoid a new PERM and new I-140? I really don't want to start all over again since who knows what the PD will be after Oct. this year...
and wait it out for 6 months and then change ur employer and find a job with the same skill set. as per USCIS ur job description has to be nearly 90% same.. so for u the best option would be to wait and watch..u've no other choice..
1. Within how long I need to inform my company lawyer and then USCIS that my job changed within the same company?
2. What are the concequences if I do not inform my company laywer about my job change? Will USCIS know this in the future and deny my I-140 and I-485?
3. Will my pending I-140 get denied since my job requirement changed (if my company lawyer inform USICS)?
4. What are the possible outcomes for my I-485 under this job change situation?
5. Is that possible that I just stay there as nothing happened and wait for USCIS response to my I-140 and I-485?
6. What can be done in order to avoid a new PERM and new I-140? I really don't want to start all over again since who knows what the PD will be after Oct. this year...
and wait it out for 6 months and then change ur employer and find a job with the same skill set. as per USCIS ur job description has to be nearly 90% same.. so for u the best option would be to wait and watch..u've no other choice..
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navyug
02-13 03:22 PM
BIG 5 is good. But I doubt they will start the GC anytime soon as they themselves will be in midst of lay-offs (could be even minor). In this economy every big firm is shedding people. They will say they will sponsor, but things get dragged on for long.
more...
lskreddy
01-13 04:23 PM
it won't correct, as this practice has been long stopped. You may be in trouble for sure.
I disagree. When what you are requesting is what they should have followed in the first place, why do you back out? Damn, it seems like they screw up and we cover for their screw ups. Ask them to correct their mistake and give your 11/04 PD. If your lawyer won't, then hire another capable one..
I disagree. When what you are requesting is what they should have followed in the first place, why do you back out? Damn, it seems like they screw up and we cover for their screw ups. Ask them to correct their mistake and give your 11/04 PD. If your lawyer won't, then hire another capable one..
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hpandey
06-16 11:20 AM
Hi
For most countries you can get your passport renewed by the embassy or consulate in US itself and quite quickly. For e.g in case of Indian embassy you get your new passport within a couple of weeks.
So find out first if your husband's country lets them renew the passport within US and if yes then apply for it asap.
For most countries you can get your passport renewed by the embassy or consulate in US itself and quite quickly. For e.g in case of Indian embassy you get your new passport within a couple of weeks.
So find out first if your husband's country lets them renew the passport within US and if yes then apply for it asap.
more...
sekasi
08-18 08:55 PM
In that case, kinda have to make the ya rly counterpart ;)
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abhi2001
02-24 02:54 PM
Thanks Jerrome for the quick reply.
Company B can file an H1 for me but since I have already spent 5 years in USA I just have about an year left out of the total 6 years. So that's an issue.
Also some more info - when I came to USA I was on an H1B which expired in Mar2008 and I filed a COS to L1A. So to my knowledge company B can revoke my L1A and I can go back to H1B without going through the 2009 quota and waiting till Oct2009. And in this way join company B. Is my understanding correct? But in this case my L2-EAD spouse will loose her job.
Company B can file an H1 for me but since I have already spent 5 years in USA I just have about an year left out of the total 6 years. So that's an issue.
Also some more info - when I came to USA I was on an H1B which expired in Mar2008 and I filed a COS to L1A. So to my knowledge company B can revoke my L1A and I can go back to H1B without going through the 2009 quota and waiting till Oct2009. And in this way join company B. Is my understanding correct? But in this case my L2-EAD spouse will loose her job.
more...
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venky08
06-24 12:01 AM
even if in july bulletin the dates move back, think anyone can file till jul31st.
The applications will be valid as long as it is post marked before 31st july.
thanks dallasblue...these things were freaking me out...my family is in india and plan to come back on july first week...i just didnt want to apply on july 15th and then realize that the dates were retrogressed mid month...that would be a big deal...
these lawyer websites are posting that they can stop accepting applications mid month without even putting out any notices...i just wanted to ask someone if anybody have any known record of this thing happening in the past...i am still worried because of this what appears to be baseless fact...but since it comes from a lawyers website my doubt still remains...can someone please help me with some conclusive facts???:confused:
The applications will be valid as long as it is post marked before 31st july.
thanks dallasblue...these things were freaking me out...my family is in india and plan to come back on july first week...i just didnt want to apply on july 15th and then realize that the dates were retrogressed mid month...that would be a big deal...
these lawyer websites are posting that they can stop accepting applications mid month without even putting out any notices...i just wanted to ask someone if anybody have any known record of this thing happening in the past...i am still worried because of this what appears to be baseless fact...but since it comes from a lawyers website my doubt still remains...can someone please help me with some conclusive facts???:confused:
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jayZinDC
05-30 02:38 PM
it happened to me, I just checked online with rx # to see if everything was ok and it did in 24 hrs.
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casinoroyale
01-26 10:25 AM
I would also like to suggest to display complete heading in the "Recent forum posts" section.
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zoooom
10-27 11:33 AM
So u are saying if she uses her EAD/ AP then my H1b is no longer valid? BTW she got her h1b visa in the lottery earlier this year.
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ArkBird
06-24 03:02 AM
No. as per my lawyer it became unavailable in the middle of the month.
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go2roomshare
07-12 05:51 PM
Will this be same if you are with same employer??
I mean
Having PD 2003 Jan - EB3 - approved 140
Can this be used to file new I 485 with NEW PERM LABR - EB2??
does EB2 140 needs to be approved ??
I mean
Having PD 2003 Jan - EB3 - approved 140
Can this be used to file new I 485 with NEW PERM LABR - EB2??
does EB2 140 needs to be approved ??
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pcs
03-26 09:38 AM
IV guys have don e great job & the strato is good. My suggestion for fund genenration.... Send one mass mail every month & ask for a small amount of cheque. Let us see how many of us send a small cheques of say $20. We should collect $20K in one shot.
colors
09-23 12:26 PM
We will watch and see ... soft LUDs on my case too.
thanks
thanks
krishnam70
11-20 03:51 PM
Generally speaking, it is always better to re-enter on nonimmigrant visa than on AP. This is because when one re-enters on non-immigrant visa, one receives a non-immigrant status, which is great. H4 is not dependent on EAD or vice versa. Remember, to loose H4 visa status you need to brake immigration law or do something that violates the immigration law. Technically speaking, if one works on EAD, one does not brake any law due to the EAD being valid. So yes, she can re-enter on h4, receiving H-4 status, and still work as long as EAD is valid. This is a gray area, but as per my attorney it is allowable due to the vague nature of the INA (Immigration and Naturalization Act), which states, that one looses non-immigrant status when one "works without authorization." However, think about it. If one is on H-4, one works on EAD at the same time, one does not loose non-immigrant status because such a person performs "authorized employment" through valid EAD.
Regards,
Right on the money.
Regards,
Right on the money.