Final Word from Tuesday, November 21, 2006
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]