Visa denied to see dying father

Clinton van Biljon, from Durban, claims that the US Consulate General in Durban refused him a visitor's visa to visit his dying father, Clive, in Houston, Texas. His father has been living in Houston for the past 9 years and was diagnosed with cancer in October last year. Clinton had been waiting for an immigration visa, which he applied for 4 years ago. To apply for a visitor's visa, he had to make an appointment with a visa officer and pay R660 before he was granted an interview. After the interview he was denied his application on the grounds that he was already in their system as an applicant for immigration. Clinton produced letters from the hospital and doctors, and letters from individuals standing personal surety for his return to South Africa. His aunt had got a senator in Houston involved in the case, as well as liaising with a state department and immigration caseworker, but to no avail. Clinton's father died without seeing his son. Clive was born 23 April 1959 in South Africa and passed away on 19 March 2005. He is survived by his wife, Lesley, and children Clinton, Brittany and Byron.