Syrian-Born ‘The White Helmets’ Cinematographer Not Allowed to Enter Country for Oscars

“The White Helmets” is nominated for Best Documentary Short, but 21-year-old cinematographer Khaled Khateeb can’t travel to Los Angeles, according to internal Trump administration correspondence, obtained by the AP, stating the Department of Homeland Security won’t allow him in the country.

Last week, rescue workers depicted in “White Helmets” obtained U.S. visas so they’d be able to attend the Academy Awards on Sunday night.

The film follows members of the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, a civilian group that rushes to provide aid when bombs fall or a civilian neighborhood is attacked.