The U.S. government said Wednesday it has lifted a Bush-era ban on two prominent Muslim scholars, saying neither is deemed a security threat to the United States.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley framed the move as part of President Barack Obama’s campaign to improve U.S. ties with Muslim countries by promoting global debate, including those who criticize Washington.

Crowley said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed exemptions under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act allowing scholars Adam Habib and Tariq Ramadan to apply for U.S. visas like other prospective visitors.

“The next time professor Ramadan or Professor Habib applies for a visa, he will not be found inadmissible on the basis of the facts that led to denial when they last applied,” Crowley told reporters.

“We do not think that either one of them represents a threat to the United States,” said Crowley, the assistant secretary of state for public affairs.   »»» The Gazette (Canada)

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