The Nicaragua Network received this important action alert from CEPRHI, the Ecumenical Committee of English Speaking Religious Personnel, in Nicaragua
Human Rights Action Alert! For all those concerned about academic freedom and freedom of thought! Write Homeland Security, the State Department, and Congress!
In this action alert please find: 1) Information on the Dora Maria Tellez visa denial 2) Points to include in your letters 3) Names and addresses of public officials
On January 20, 2005 the US State Department rejected the visa application of Professor Dora Maria Tellez, a Nicaraguan academic who was invited to teach this spring at Harvard University. Section 212(a)3B of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which refers to persons who allegedly have participated in and/or endorse or espouse terrorist activities, was given as the reason for rejection.
As a young woman Ms. Tellez left medical school to fight as a Sandinista in the popular national struggle that ultimately overthrew the brutal 45-year dictatorship of the Somoza family in Nicaragua. Her leadership in the 1978 take-over of the National Palace -- one of the turning points in the struggle -- and her excellent service as Minister of Health in the Sandinista government are two reasons she is a prominent figure, beloved by many in Nicaragua. A public policy analyst and historian, she is a promoter of the democratic process in Nicaragua today.
The academic community, the ACLU and others have spoken out against the State Department?s decision to label Ms. Tellez a terrorist and to infringe on academic freedom. She sought and received support and legal protection from the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) since she feels that being labeled a terrorist could put her life in danger. She is considering bringing a lawsuit against the US State Department.
Become part of this campaign to clear Ms. Tellez?s name and to let the government know that such academic visa denials cannot continue.
Please write a letter with the following points:
-that you disagree with the determination by the US State Department to deny Ms Tellez a visa on the grounds of being a terrorist after she has been granted visas previously and has spent her adult life working in the democratic political process in Nicaragua.
-that you are very concerned that Ms. Tellez? life could be put in danger because of the way the visa was denied, which effectively marks her as a terrorist.
-that you deplore the lack of academic freedom that denies universities the ability to invite lecturers from a variety of cultures and political thought
-that you demand the State Department issue an immediate visa for Ms. Tellez with an apology and withdrawal of the accusation.
Send a letter to the Head of the Department of Homeland Security with copies to others listed below.
(1) Judge Michael Chertoff Head of the Dept. of Homeland Security US Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC. 20528 Tel. 202-282-8495 http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/contactus
(2) Mr. Roger Francisco Noriega Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs United States Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Fax: 202-647-0791
(3) Mr. Luis Espada?Platel Sección Consular, Embajada de los Estados Unidos Costado Oeste del edificio de la Embajada Americana Km. 4 ? Carretera Sur Managua, Nicaragua Fax: 011-505-266-9943
(4) Senator Susan Collins, Chairperson Senate Committee on Homeland Security 461 Dirkson Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Fax: (202) 224-2693 http://collins.senate.gov/high/contactemail.htm
(5) Rep. Christopher Cox, Chairperson House Committee on Homeland Security 2402 Rayburn Building Washington, DC 20515 Fax: (202) 225-9177 http://cox.house.gov/html/contact_email.cfm
(6) Your Senators and Representative To obtain contact information, visit: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
(7) Your local newspaper
For more information: www.casabenlinder.org
Read this article on the visa denial from the Guardian of the U.K. http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1430305,00.html
