This is a letter I wrote to the U.S. Department of State, to see if any one can help me. I got an automatic response from them, saying that all the information is available on the website and this is the only reply I would ever receive from them.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I visited your website and noticed a message from President Bush:
"America is not a fortress; no, we never want to be a fortress. We're a free country; we're an open society. And we must always protect the rights of our law -- of law-abiding citizens from around the world who come here to conduct business or to study or to spend time with their family."
I am sure that you believe in this massage and hope you consider my tragic situation. I know you receive tons of emails each day and you may be very busy at the moment to continue reading my email. But, I hope you take a few minutes and read this email to the end. Your time is greatly appreciated.
I am an Iranian woman, perusing my Ph.D at Brown University. I came to this country 7 years a go hoping for a better education and future which was denied to me in my home country.
I came to US in 2002. After two years of hard work I was accepted in Chemical Engineering program at the University of New Hampshire(UNH) with full funding. I graduated with highest honor( ranked number 1) in 2008. During the duration of my study I never went back home to visit my family because I was so concerned I may never get a visa to come back to finish my education. You may know how difficult it is, as a woman, to live in Iran.
I accepted as a Ph.D candidate in Engineering program at Brown university with a full fellowship for the duration of my studies. I was very pleased with my achievements and with my whole heart believed that United States is indeed, "the land of opportunities".
Not long a go, my mother, whom I have not seen for 7 years was diagnosed with cancer. I was devastated hearing the news but again, did not go back to Iran hoping and praying that through chemotherapy she can overcome it. However, it was not the case and her health deteriorated quickly. I was informed that the doctors have stopped the treatment because nothing can be done. Given the fact that I may never see her, I decided to go back home before it is too late.
You know the sever visa condition for Iranian citizens. I wish we can set aside the political problems and look at the humanitarian aspect of the case. After all, we are all human beings regardless of our country of birth. The classes at Brown will start next week, I hope there is a way for me to go back home and see my dear mom for the last time and be able to come back here and continue with my education. It would be really difficult to go through the grief of her loss knowing that I could have seen her for the last time.
Is there any way you can help me in facilitating the visa process?
Again, I sincerely appreciate your time.
Glareh Azadi