Top Indian scientist turned away by US immigration

Via The Register
By Chris Williams

02/24/2006

An Indian professor of organic chemistry was denied a visa by US
immigration. Goverdhan Mehta, 62, was hoping to attend a scientific
conference in Florida, but was denied permission by the embassy in New
Dehli.

Now a row has erupted between US officials, who say the application
was merely delayed, and the Paris-based International Council for
Science (ICSU), which is expressing “grave concern” over their more
stringent policies since September 11.

Hilariously-named ICSU deputy executive director Carthage Smith told
Reuters: “Professor Mehta is a very well-known scientist, but there are
many lesser known scientists to whom this is happening. The bigger
issue is important.”

Professor Mehta was subjected to “hostile treatment” at the embassy,
and asked to prove that his work could not be used for chemical
weapons. When asked what his doctoral thesis was about, he could not
remember details. He told the Deccan Herald in Bangalore:
“I did my PhD 40 years ago. I told them I did not remember the topic.
Science has progressed and changed completely since then.”

ICSU, which promotes free exchange of world science said: “It
clearly illustrates that, despite some progress, all is far from well
with regards to the visa policies and associated practices for
scientists wishing to enter the USA.”

A typically humourless spokesman for the US consulate said: “He was
asked for additional information and the application can be processed,
it can be continued.”