Hong Kong-based Pakistanis planning to study in America remain concerned about situation there despite consular reassurance
US Consul General Kurt Tong says if Muslims in Hong Kong apply for visas to the United States, they will be treated with the utmost fairness and respect
Yasir, a 27-year-old Muslim who is taking an MBA in Hong Kong, wanted to apply for an exchange programme in the US. But that changed on February 27, when an executive order that has been perceived as targeting Muslims caught him by surprise.
Even though his country was not on the list, Yasir described it as “outright discrimination”.
“I want to state to these two gentlemen, specifically, that if they choose to apply for visas to the United States they will be treated with the utmost fairness and respect,” Tong wrote.
Yasir, who prefers not to reveal his full name for fear that would affect his academic ambitions, said he was “pleasantly surprised” and “appreciated the letter”.