HPI
KAUAI, HAWAII, June 3, 2007: HPI has learned that up to a dozen temples in the United States have recently had R-1 (religious worker) visas for priests denied at the American consulates in India. This is in addition to the recent denial of visas for sthapatis (temple architects) and silpis (temple master craftsmen). These denials are coming in instances where previous applicants with the same qualifications and documentations were granted the R-1. Apparently there has been a change in interpretation of the R-1 visa existing rules.
HPI would like to hear from any temple which has experienced recent problems obtaining the R-1 visa for its priests or other religious workers. Please e-mail ar@hindu.org.