Thursday, December 19, 2013

Exchange with American diplomat/author/whistleblower Peter Van Buren regarding visas





"You won't be denied a visa if you tell the truth" 

--Lydia Hall, a second tour public diplomacy-coned officer, speaking to Indian students
and their parents [cited in the Public Diplomacy Press and Blog Review]
***
This quotation emailed to American diplomat/writer/whistleblower  Peter Van Buren  with the below IMAGINARY CONVERSATION (thanks Peter, for your ok in posting this as it mentions you). 

Osama Bin Laden to visa officer:

"I want to go to the U.S. to blow up the Twin Towers and the Pentagon."

Visa officer:

"You told the truth. Enjoy your stay in the USA."

***
Peter's reply:

Better yet, this really happens:

How long will you stay in the US?
I'm not sure, maybe a few weeks, I've got a legal six months on the visa, right?
DENIED

How long will you stay in the US?
Definitely only one week.
ISSUED

Do you have relatives in the US?
Yes.
DENIED

Do you have relatives in the US?
Absolutely not.
ISSUED

--Image from

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