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STATE DEPARTMENT ORDERS FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS FOR VISA APPLICANTS
by Michael J. Gurfinkel, Esq.
In yet another effort to prevent the entry of terrorists into
the United States, the State Department has ordered foreign service
officers in many countries around the world to begin face-to-face
interviews with visa applicants.
According to the State Department, at least 90%
of visa applicants from countries in the Middle East, Asia, and
Latin America will be required to submit to face-to-face interviews
with consular officials. General exceptions to this heightened
scrutiny could apply to diplomats, those 16 years old and younger,
and those 60 years and older.
In the past, some people were able to obtain their
visas without going to the Embassy for a personal interview.
The State Department estimates that, at present,
as little as 20% of visa applicants are required to submit to
face-to-face interviews in some countries. The Department said
nearly 5.8 million visitor’s visas (business and tourist)
were issued in fiscal year 2002.
The policy change of requiring face-to-face interviews
is part of new restrictions implemented since the September 11
terrorist attacks, designed to improve national security and monitoring
of visitors.
By requiring personal interviews, the State Department
hopes to increase the chances of catching terrorists or preventing
them from entering the country or obtaining visas.
However, a study also found that at least 13 of
the 15 hijackers from Saudi Arabia were never interviewed before
they were granted U.S. visas, and none had filled in his application
properly. Three of the hijackers obtained their visas through
travel agents under a special “visa express” program
that has since been terminated.
The new rules have been opposed by business, education
and tourism groups, which argue that delays in obtaining visas
will discourage foreign nationals from visiting the U.S. at a
time when the economy is still struggling. But obviously, the
government has given more importance at this time to heighten
the security of the U.S. and to prevent the entry of terrorists.
With the new rules, people now have to be especially
sure that their documents are in order, that they meet the basic
requirements in obtaining visas, and that their intention is really
to visit the United States on business or pleasure, and not to
work or overstay in the U.S.
If you plan on applying for a visa, you should be
aware of the anticipated additional delays and backlogs in obtaining
an interview appointment. According to the State Department directive,
the additional interviews must be handled “using existing
resources”, and without offering overtime hours to employees.
In other words, with more people now having to appear for interviews,
with only limited interview slots available each day, the waiting
time for interview date may be a lot longer. So, you need to plan
far ahead, make sure to meet the legal requirements, and your
documentation is in proper order before you go for your interview,
so as not to waste precious time.
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