Visa Denial Puts Heroic Iraqi Translator in the Crosshairs

[Redrose100]

An Iraqi translator who has earned commendations for risking his life repeatedly to save the lives of many American soldiers in combat has been denied a visa to live in the United States because of nonviolent actions he took to overthrow Saddam Hussein — at the same time the U.S. government was calling for regime change in Iraq.

Jasim, whose name is being withheld for his safety, has received strong support from the U.S. military, and the Department of Homeland Security approved his application for a visa. But the State Department has denied Jasim a visa because he was arrested in 1996 for actions against the Saddam dictatorship.

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Hard to put words to the feeling this one causes!

[Hung Low]

That sound like the State Dept alright... fucked up!

[Nomad]

An Iraqi translator who has earned commendations for risking his life repeatedly to save the lives of many American soldiers in combat has been denied a visa to live in the United States because of nonviolent actions he took to overthrow Saddam Hussein — at the same time the U.S. government was calling for regime change in Iraq.... But the State Department has denied Jasim a visa because he was arrested in 1996 for actions against the Saddam dictatorship.

Unreal. I am not surprised that it's becoming a tougher sell for us to the locals of oppressed regimes that "..we'll help you if you help us out!".

[Richard Cranium]

The old "help them while it benefits us, and then shit on them" routine? Unfortunately, (at least according to BTDTs I've talked to and books I've read) it's happened quite a bit when dealing with us.

[Jim]

The old "help them while it benefits us, and then shit on them" routine? Unfortunately, (at least according to BTDTs I've talked to and books I've read) it's happened quite a bit when dealing with us.

Based on my experiences, I'm not sure I'd trust us.