Visa shock for AKP's Mehmet Metiner from the US: Rejected over suspicion he 'would not return to Turkey'

Mehmet Metiner, who served as an AKP deputy between 2011 and 2018 and is known for his remarks in television debates, applied for a US visa. He announced on his social media account that his application had been rejected.

HE DESCRIBED THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Metiner stated that he made his application to the US Embassy in Ankara with a reference letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Explaining that he submitted his diplomatic passport, Metiner said he was asked, "Are you a deputy?" and "Are you a journalist?" and that he answered "Yes" to both questions. He stated that the officials then told him, "Could you wait in the seating area? We will call you."

"I WAS KEPT WAITING FOR 45 MINUTES"

Noting that he waited for about 45 minutes, Metiner stated that some people who arrived after him completed their procedures and left. Upon this, he went to the official and said, "I have a letter from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs in my hand. I have a diplomatic passport. Being kept waiting like this is not pleasant at all and is humiliating. If I am to be kept waiting, I want my passport back," he recounted. Metiner stated that shortly after, he was called to another booth, where he was informed in writing that his application had been rejected.

WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THE REJECTION?

Metiner shared that the document given to him cited Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act as the reason for the rejection. It was stated that this section covers cases where the applicant fails to demonstrate sufficient ties to ensure they will return to their home country.

Stating that he conveyed the matter to the relevant units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the rejection decision, Metiner said, "I learned with regret that we do not do the same to US citizens. There is no reciprocity on this issue. Then I ask here: Why do they take fingerprints, and in such detail, from someone they will not grant a visa to? I hope our Ministry of Foreign Affairs does what is necessary regarding this issue."

REJECTION OF MY US VISA REQUEST/2

They kept looking at my diplomatic passport.

“Are you a deputy?” they asked.

“Also a journalist,” I said.

“Yes,” I said.

“Could you wait?” they said.

They showed my passport to a lady further away. They talked in the meantime. She turned and came back.

“Could you wait in the seating area?”…

— Mehmet Metiner (@MetinerBasin) April 20, 2026

"I APPLIED TO TEST IT"

In his assessment regarding the visa rejection, Metiner said, "It is not unknown why the US gave a negative response to my visa request. The reason is opposing US and Israeli policies. Expressing this loudly in the media. That is the extent of their understanding of freedom! Honestly, I guessed they would not grant a visa. I was not wrong. Despite this, I applied to test it. There is good in what happens," he expressed.

REJECTION OF MY US VISA REQUEST/3

It is not unknown why the US gave a negative response to my visa request.

The reason is opposing US and Israeli policies.

Expressing this loudly in the media.

That is the extent of their understanding of freedom!

Honestly, I guessed they would not grant a visa.…

— Mehmet Metiner (@MetinerBasin) April 20, 2026

News Source: 12punto