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US embassy clarifies controversy over visa acquisition by ex-presidents
Under U.S. law, when a diplomat or official applies for a new visa for personal travel, that applicant must appear in person for an interview.
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In a statement said, it said the US laws require applicants for visas to appear in person but said special circumstances are created for former Presidents for all the necessary courtesies to be extended to them.
The statement said “under U.S. law, travelers seeking a non immigrant visa for travel to the United States must generally appear in person for an interview with a consular officer. U.S. law also designates limited exceptions under which the visa interview may be waived, such as for diplomats and officials traveling on official government business.
“However, under U.S. law, when a diplomat or official applies for a new visa for personal travel, that applicant must appear in person for an interview. This is not a new policy. In such limited and special circumstances as having a former president come in, we have procedures established to ensure the appropriate courtesies are extended.”
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The statement continued: “When a diplomat or official applies for a visa for personal travel, it is neither necessary nor appropriate for the applicant to be accompanied to the interview by protocol assistants. “As a general policy, only visa applicants are allowed in the waiting room.
“Our communication to the Government of Ghana was meant to clarify this policy. We will continue to work with the government to facilitate legitimate personal and official travel.”
The clarification comes after the US ambassador, Robert Jackson, told parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee that such individuals were able to take advantage of "protocol services" where they did not have to physically appear at the US embassy to obtain a visa.
"If you are travelling for tourism or business that is not related to government business, you will be required to make a personal appearance, even with former presidents," he told the committee.
"There are no exceptions."
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Following the declaration by the ambassador, Ghanaians have slammed the move. They have accused the US of bullying. While others have said the US is exerting pressure on Ghana over the Supreme Court ruling on the Gitmo two.
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