CPTnet
May 8, 2003
COLOMBIA: Progress on Visas
Members of CPT and representatives of the Colombian Mennonite Church (CPT's
inviting partner) met with Colombian government officials on Tuesday, May 6
to discuss concerns and clarify procedures regarding visas for CPTers.
Those present at the meeting included the Director for Immigration Issues
from the Department of Administrative Security (DAS), the Director of Visas
from the Ministry of Foreign Relations, and the Director of Human Rights
from the office of the Vice President of Colombia.
Following the meeting, CPTer Keith Young was immediately granted a renewal
of his visa, which had been stalled for over a month. In mid-March, the
Colombian Consulate in Toronto issued a visa to Reservist Scott
Albrecht--the first for a CPTer in a year.
CPT extends heartfelt thanks to the many supporters who contacted their
legislators and other officials regarding this concern. CPTer Pierre Shantz
reported that, in the course of the May 6 meeting, Colombian administrators
mentioned having received multiple inquiries. "Your calls and letters made
a difference and were likely instrumental in bringing these three key
officials together to meet with CPT," he said.
"We're definitely celebrating!" said Kryss Chupp, Support Coordinator for
the Colombia Team. "At the same time, we hope supporters will remain
vigilant over the next several months as we begin to submit new visa
applications for long-term workers."
On February 28, CPT requested your help in securing signatures from U.S.
Representatives to a "Dear Colleague" letter addressed to President Uribe of
Colombia regarding visas for CPTers. The list of signers appears below.
CONSTITUENTS: Please take a moment to thank your congressperson for signing
on and let them know their intervention was helpful. Call the Capitol
Switchboard toll-free: 800-839-5276.
Raul Grijalva, D-AZ 7th
Anna Eshoo, D-CA 14th
Sam Farr, D-CA 17th
Barbara Lee, D-CA 9th
Charlie Norwood, R-GA 9th
Lane Evans, D-IL 17th (initiated letter)
Luis Gutierrez, D-IL 4th
William Lipinski, D-IL 3rd
Jan Schakowsky, D-IL 9th
Todd Tiahrt, R-KS 4th
Barney Frank, D-MA 4th
Edward Markey, D-MA 7th
James McGovern, D-MA 3rd
Chris Smith, R-NJ 4th
James Walsh, R-NY 25th
Dennis Kucinich, D-OH 10th
David Wu, D-OR 1st
Lloyd Doggett, D-TX 10th
Frank Wolf, R-VA 10th
Bernie Sanders, I-VT at large
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