Visa truths and consequences
2006-11-21
A survey by the Discover America Partnership found that
foreigners view the U.S. as the worst of any country in terms of
obtaining a visa and gaining entry. MFD said there is the
impression in the CR that consular officers are instructed to
keep the rejection rate above 3%, so Czechs (with their 10% rate)
can't enter the visa-waiver program. U.S. Amb. Richard Graber
denied this. Foreign Minister Alexandr Vondra told Czech TV
that the way to achieve visa-waivers is to convince Congress to
raise the 3% figure, but his prediction that visas could be
abolished within two years borders on wishful thinking. The only
way it will happen is if, first, the U.S. takes to heart the kind of
criticism registered in the Discover America survey and, second,
if Czechs get more serious about obeying U.S. immigration laws.
Vondra took the unusual step of asking Czechs to tell the truth
when they apply for a visa.
[Czech Republic United States of America ambassador
Television]
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