Trump 'Muslim-Ban' woes: Kashmiri athlete denied U.S. visa citing 'current policy'

The ripples of President Donald Trump's ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, has started infiltrating Indian shores as a Kashmiri athlete was denied visa to participate in an International world championship to be held in New York, despite full documentation.

The embassy turned away the athlete on account of 'current policy', refusing to entertain any questions further.

Tanveer Hussain, a 'slow shoe- running' champion was selected to represent India in one of the world championships to be held in New York on 25th February. But in spite of complete documentation, he was held back by the embassy citing 'current policy' which weren't in his favour.

"The World Federation of Slow shoe-running had sent a letter to Indian Federation, and then Indian federation selected me for the slow shoe running championship," he told ANI.

The athlete had represented India in a world championship in Italy last year, where he impressed every one and was invited to the U.S.

"My preparations were on full swing. My camp was set up in Gulmarg, I had put in a lot of effort practicing on the snow. My documents were complete, with letter from the world federation, and a letter from the Mayor of the venue where the event was to be conducted, which they mailed to the embassy," Hussein said.

"I went to embassy today for an interview, post which they screened all the documents and asked me to show some of my sports achievements. I showed them some of the newspaper cuttings, but later they broke it to me that due to 'current policies' they can't provide me the visa," the distraught athlete shared, adding that the Embassy further refused to comment and moved to on to the next candidate.

Meanwhile, Hussain and his team is trying his best to get the U.S Visa.

"My manager Mr. Abid Hussain has mailed the World federation and they ensured that they will try their best to convince the embassy. A clear picture would come out only in the evening", he said.

Hussain appealed that he was just an athlete, who wanted to represent India worldwide in the sport and there was no ulterior political motive to it.

"There were many athletes from Kashmir and outside who found no sponsor, but I found a sponsor in J&K Bank and had full support of the Kashmir Government, but still my visa has been denied," Hussein asserted.

Earlier, Trump signed an executive order to suspend refugee arrivals and impose tough new controls on travellers from seven Muslim countries, which induced immediate confusion and outrage across the globe.

Fulfilling his campaign promises, Trump suspended the entire U.S. refugee resettlement programme for at least 120 days while tough new vetting rules are established.

He said that the executive order is aimed at ensuring the security and welfare of the United States.

It has also been announced that no visas will be issued for 90 days to migrants or visitors from seven Muslim dominant countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

However, exceptions will be made for "religious minorities", which would imply favourable treatment for Christians.