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Since the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001, the State Department has been engaged with
other U.S. government agencies in an extensive and ongoing review
of visa issuing practices as they relate to the security of our
borders and our nation.
Through the use of supplemental application forms
and other measures, visa applications are now subject to a greater
degree of scrutiny than in the past. This scrutiny means that visa
applications in some instances take longer to process to conclusion
than has been customary. We recognize that individual applicants
may experience inconvenience and hardship if their application takes
longer to process than they expected. We are doing everything possible
to meet the legitimate needs of prospective travelers consistent
with the priority we must attach to our security and legal responsibilities.
While our consular officers strive to offer visa applicants
as expeditious service as possible, their primary responsibility
is to carry out U.S. law and to ensure that applicants to whom they
issue visas will not pose a threat to the safety and security of
the United States and its inhabitants. This is a serious responsibility
that must take precedence over other considerations pertaining to
a visa application.
We realize that these necessary security measures
may affect the travel plans of visa applicants, especially individuals
intending to enroll in or continue college and university studies
in the United States. We will make every attempt to meet the legitimate
needs of prospective travelers to the United States, consistent
with the priority of our security and legal responsibilities. We
recommend that individuals build in ample time before their planned
travel date when seeking to obtain a visa.
Special security screening procedures affect a limited
number of prospective travelers. Our goal is to have assured security
within a system that is responsive to everyone wishing to visit
the United States. However, delays in processing of visas will continue
to occur as the Department of State, working with other agencies,
brings new information systems on line. Responding to the attacks
of September 11, 2001, Congress ordered that security inadequacies
be identified and addressed. By legislative instruction, some of
this work was specifically to be accomplished by the first anniversary
of the attacks. That work is in course now in accordance with those
instructions.
The time needed for adjudication of individual cases
will continue to be difficult to predict, as necessary new procedures
are refined. Visa applicants affected by these procedures are informed
of the need for additional screening at the time of application
and should expect substantial delays of six to eight weeks or more
before a visa can be issued.
We trust that affected applicants will understand
that this waiting period is necessary as we strive to make every
effort to ensure the safety and security of the United States for
all who are here, including foreign visitors.
(08/30/2002)
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