US Approves Visa for Indian Scientist

Since the 2001 terrorist attacks the US has implemented a stricter, more time-consuming visa policy citing concerns for national security., However, the recent denial of a visa to Goverdhan Mehta, an Indian scientist who is the president of the International Council for Science, has offered proof that this system remains far from perfect. In a case that caused furor in India just days before a visit by President Bush, the prominent scientist said that he had been “refused” a US visa because his expertise in chemistry was considered as a potential threat. Although the State Department has defended its actions as part of a process aimed at obtaining additional information, many visa seekers like Mehta perceive the law as unfair and hostile. The US Embassy in New Delhi has since reversed course and granted the visa to Mehta, but he says that the humiliation prompted him to cancel his travel plans. By anticipating terrorist threats in the every corner of the globe – but not recognizing world-renowned academics from nations that are major allies – the US State Department is making more enemies than friends. – YaleGlobal