 lawmaker Mehmet Metiner said on Monday that the United States had denied his application for a visa despite a request from Turkey’s foreign ministry and that he later deleted social media posts about the decision after being contacted by ministry officials.){kind=link}
Former Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmaker Mehmet Metiner said on Monday that the United States had denied his application for a visa despite a request from Turkey’s foreign ministry and that he later deleted social media posts about the decision after being contacted by ministry officials.
The US Embassy in Ankara rejected the application under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, saying Metiner had failed to demonstrate sufficient ties to Turkey to ensure his return after a temporary visit.
The embassy said applicants for nonimmigrant visas must prove strong professional, financial or social ties to their home country and that decisions under this provision are not subject to appeal, though applicants may reapply.
Metiner said he waited about 45 minutes while others who arrived later were processed first and described the experience as “unpleasant” and “humiliating.” He said he informed staff that he had a diplomatic passport and had a letter from the foreign ministry.
He said he was later called back to the counter and given a written notice that his application had been denied.
Metiner subsequently removed his social media posts after being contacted by the foreign ministry.
“They showed the necessary sensitivity. I thank them,” he said, adding that the posts had “served their purpose” of drawing attention to what he described as the United States’ “wrong stance.”
A document from the foreign ministry showed that Ankara had formally asked the US Embassy in Ankara to assist in granting a visa to Metiner.
The letter, dated March 10, identified him as a former lawmaker and said the ministry “would be honored” if the embassy provided its “kind assistance.” It referred to a planned trip to New York between March 29 and April 1.
The wording of the letter prompted criticism from opposition politicians.
Burhanettin Bulut, a deputy chair of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and a lawmaker, said the language reflected an unequal tone in relations.
“The basis of relations between states is equality, not a one-sided language of gratitude. It is shameful,” Bulut said.
Ümit Dikbayır, another CHP lawmaker, also criticized the wording.
“Do you find it honorable to make requests? You speak of a ‘firm stance’ to the public [toward foreign countries], yet in official correspondence you say ‘we would be honored to request assistance,’” Dikbayır said.
“The language of the Republic of Turkey does not bend at the door of foreign embassies,” he added.
Metiner served as an AKP lawmaker for the southeastern province of Adıyaman, elected in 2011 and 2015. He is a columnist for the pro-government Yeni Şafak newspaper and chairman of the Democracy and Unity Association, a pro-government civil society group in Turkey.