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from the issue of March 2, 2006
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Ari optimistic despite 8-month visa delay
BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
For eight months, Waskar Ari has patiently played a waiting game.
Specializing in Latin American history, the Bolivian native was hired by the UNL history department in June to serve as an assistant professor of history and ethnic studies. His background - from growing up in South America to earning a doctorate at Georgetown University - was to meld seamlessly into the Center for Great Plains Studies' focus on indigenous peoples while expanding the depth of campus course offerings.
"Waskar Ari is going to be a wonderful complement to our program in history and ethnic studies," said Ken Winkle, chair of history. "His ability to provide an indigenous people's perspective is a tremendous value to the university."
When Ari opted for UNL over other job offers, the university petitioned the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an H-1B visa classification for Ari. The university submited the necessary documentation and paid a $1,000 fee for accelerated processing so he could start teaching in August. However, after traveling to Bolivia to visit family last summer, Ari discovered that the visa request had been delayed without explanation. Furthermore, Ari learned that the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, had been ordered by the Department of State to cancel his student visa.
No specific reason for the extended delay has been offered.
"Bureaucracy, mistaken identity and security issues are the theories I've heard during these eight months," Ari said in response to an E-mail request from the Scarlet. "I think my case is a terrible misunderstanding, and sad."
The delay also has left Ari feeling like a man stuck between nations.
"All my life I have been well known as a moderate and against any kind of radicalism and fundamentalism," Ari said. "Even some of my critics in Bolivia told me that I am too pro U.S. And, some of my indigenous friends think that I am an 'aymara gringo,' which means both indigenous and American."
According to Peter Levitov, associate dean of international affairs at UNL, university officials have been working indirectly to alleviate the visa stalemate. For Levitov - who has 34 years of experience in university-related visa requests - the delay has been particularly frustrating.
"This is the first time in my experience that a visa petition has not been adjudicated," said Levitov. "There have been instances of delays when additional evidence is requested. But, I've never experienced this type of delay."
Levitov said UNL continues to hold the assistant professor post open for Ari. While that leaves the department one educator short, Winkle said classes go on.
Ari's absence pushed the department to cancel two Latin American history courses - one each in the fall and spring semesters - specifically earmarked for Ari. Winkle aid two additional Latin American courses (History 171 and 272) have been covered by tapping into temporary instructional funds.
While he waits for a decision, Ari continues his career path as an educator. After a difficult semester selling homes to, "pay bills," Ari is now teaching one semester as a visiting professor at the Universidad Mayor de San Andreas in Bolivia.
"I have to admit this waiting has been very frustrating," Ari said. "(Teaching) gave me back my usual happiness and optimism. It feels good when you do something that you like."
Ari said he is also writing book reviews and articles at the request of U.S. publishers.
"Over these eight months, I have learned to be more humble, more appreciative of small daily things in life," Ari said. "I am ready for whatever the outcome. And, I remain optimistic that soon I will stay in Lincoln and see the faces of many new friends."
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 2
NEWS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 2
Big Easy Redesign
Administration issues letter in support of Bolivian professor
Ari optimistic despite 8-month visa delay
Franco accepts VC spot
Researchers join global computer test
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Weisz helps shape court
Women's Week events observed on campus
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