Korean businessman files suit in U.S. court for entry visa: lawyer

By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean businessman has filed suit here against U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, complaining he has been denied entry to the U.S. since 2003 when he was blocked at a U.S. airport for possessing an open air ticket.

Lee Sang-ho demanded in a written complaint that he be admitted because he has
been banned based on a document he was forced to sign at Dulles Airport in May
2003.
"We are asking the court to admit Lee and nullify the document he signed because
he was forced to make statements and sign the document at that time," said lawyer
Chon Jong-jin.
Since then, Lee applied for a U.S. visa four times only to be rejected, according
to Chon.
Lee, an employee of a South Korean garment manufacturer, was detained for four
days at the airport in May 2003 for holding an open ticket that did not have a
fixed date for returning to Seoul, the lawyer said.
Lee told immigration officials that he purchased the open ticket due to a
flexible business schedule involving showing items to his possible clients, the
lawyer said.
hdh@yna.co.kr
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