McCain, Cardin Seek Review of Bill Browder's Visa Revocation

Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., released a joint statement calling for a review of what lead to Bill Browder's visa being revoked.

Browder, a British citizen, worked with McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Cardin, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on the Magnitsky Act. The law, named for the Russian auditor whose death in prison sparking international outrage, would ban Russian officials who took part in Sergei Magnitsky's imprisonment from entering the United States.

Browder revealed Monday his U.S. visa had been revoked the same day the Kremlin issued an international warrant for his arrest via Interpol.

"We understand that William Browder's U.S. visa has been revoked due his inclusion on the Interpol list," the senators wrote in an open statement Monday. "According to Browder, the Russian government has submitted his name for inclusion on the Interpol list on several occasions in the past, yet it was rejected as politically motivated. And through these episodes, his U.S. visa status has been immediately reinstated. The Department of Homeland Security should expedite an immediate review of the decision to revoke Mr. Browder's visa."

They add "William Browder is strong advocate for anti-corruption efforts around the world and we relied on his expertise and support as we led the effort to pass the Magnitsky Act. Mr. Browder's work has helped to remove corrupt actors from our financial system and enhance accountability measures with respect to the U.S. relationship with the Russian Federation – it would be unfortunate if the U.S. decided to bar him based on a decision by those same Russian officials who have been targeted by this important legislation."

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