Sec. Clinton, Let Kobzon Sing for US
- by: Susan V
- recipient: Secretary Clinton, US Department of State
Known as Russia's Frank Sinatra, crooner Joseph Kobzon, has toured all over the world and won the highest honors in Russia, not only for his singing, but for his humanitarian and charitable activities. Now in his 70s and ailing, he says he wants one last chance to sing in the US for Russian Americans.
But so far the US won't allow it.
Kobzon's visa was revoked in 1995 due to what amounts to rumors of his connections to the Russian mafia, accusations Kobzon, a member of the Russian Parliament, says are baseless.
According to Wikipedia, there are "no formal accusations, investigation results, or evidence in support of the visa denial." And yet there's no way to challenge it because U.S. consular decisions are not subject to judicial review.
Kobzon has applied once again for a visa and hopes to tour here in May, and already thousands are demanding the US allow it.
Tell Sec. Clinton, unless the US can substantiate the accusations against Kobzon, you should let Kobzon sing for US!
We, the undersigned, believe it is unfair and un-American to deny a visa based on only rumors of misconduct.
According to the blog,
Russia, Kobzon keeps a copy of the letter from the U.S. Consulate stating the reason he is denied a visa - "because the Attorney General has reasonable grounds to believe that he might engage 'solely, principally, or incidentally … in any unlawful activity.'" But is that really reason enough, without solid evidence?
This incident is reminiscent of the old McCarthy days when Charlie Chaplin was denied back into the US and his home, due to political prejudices.
According to
Russia, Kobzon claims he is a victim of political accusations made during the Yeltsin administration and Wikimedia says he considers the visa denial "an act of reckless politics that is now outdated and no longer relevant."
Unless the US can substantiate the rumors against Kobzon, it should approve his new visa application and let him sing for the US.
Thank you for considering this request.
