Friends,
We learned this week that one of our students from the 2013 IFOR and FOR-sponsored Fellowship School has been denied his visa.
Andrei Trubceac is a 25-year-old graduate student in international development with Romanian and Moldovan dual citizenship. Andrei, who has been part of the Department of Peace Operations at Romania's Peace Institute since 2011, is currently participating in a short-term European Voluntary Service project, the Human Rights Caravan in Georgia.
Andrei is one of four outstanding young international leaders -- selected from more than 200 applicants -- for this year's Fellowship School. (We will introduce you to the other Fellows this coming week!) Andrei's M.A. thesis focused on the development and peacebuilding challenges in states experiencing secessionist processes.
Unfortunately, Andrei's visa has not been approved by the United States.
Last year, your support helped bring Afghan Youth Volunteers mentor Dr. Hakim to the United States after his visa was denied. We know embassy officials take notice when U.S. civilians write in support of a visa applicant.
Take action now: Call on the State Department to review their decision and approve Andrei's visa.
IFOR's second annual Fellowship School promises to be a powerful and unique experience for strengthening the knowledge and skill sets of emerging leaders. Last year three young human rights activists from Africa, Europe, and North America participated in the inaugural Fellowship School. This year's program will feature nonviolence trainers and organizers in mentoring roles during a nine-week program.
Update: Andrei has a second appointment with a U.S. Embassy official tomorrow, Oct. 10. We are hopeful that this means they will reconsider their earlier decision, and grant him a visa.
Add your voice to encourage the State Department to grant a visa to Andrei Trubceac.
Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Executive Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation |
