Observation...

[CarolynRitesh 0]

I was thinking about this topic this evening, and wanted to get a wider perspective on this silly little point...

Over the last few months I have written numerous emails to the Chennai Consulate and yesterday had interactions with both Indian and American staff at the Consulate Office. Not one person EVER identified themselves by name, and when I thought back on it, no one has ever said the name of anyone who interviewed them (for South Asia anyway!) - just 'Indian woman' or young American woman, etc.

Do they remain nameless on purpose? Are they afraid that people who are denied visas will get violent or look for revenge in some way?

I guess I had a picture in my head of the Consulate offices being a little different, where the interview would be face to face at a desk, with no glass walls in between and a microphone for communication, it was odd to see a kind of 'bank' environment.

Did you have the same experience with your Consulate/Embassy? Do you know the names of the people that you interacted with - at least the first name? What was the physical experience of the interview like in your country?

[ELW 5]

I had asked my husband to get the name of the person who interviewed him just in case (there were a lot of denials back then), but he forgot to ask. Yes it seems a very impersonal experience, I haven't read many posts with names of the CO's (I remember only a couple of them, with people going for second interviews after being denied once). Maybe they are instructed not to give their names or be too personable!

I had also written a lot of emails to Chennai during the process, and for me too, no one ever identified themselves by name. I guess it's just standard procedure, for whatever reason. It could be the same in USCIS offices and Consulates worldwide, don't know.

[rebeccajo 14]

Where's William?

[StillThePrettiest 3]

at my interview (London, March this year), both the guys I spoke to at any length wore clearly visible name tags... one of them was called 'Ben', but I didn't catch the other's name

[motu 5]

It depends on many things - I think some consulates do not divulge the names for security reasons - kidnapping threats and murder threats against Americans are not uncommon in India during random protests for example. Also, it depends on your demeanor - When your name is called - do you walk up to the window and stand their with hands folded or do you walk up to them and say," My name is Bond, James Bond. And you are?"

When I had my interview in New Delhi - I told the woman, "I am Motu. How are you?" She told me her first name. I asked her where she was from; she was from Baltimore. I told her I had never been to Baltimore but would like to go there if and when I get a chance to visit DC (I knew about the geography). She asked me where had I been, I told her I was in Utah and its gorgeous in Southern Utah (YEs it is). She told me to come back at 2.00 and pick up my visa (Immigrant Visa).

I think, depending on your approach, the other person may or may not reveal their names - of course you could ask, but then what would you do with the name (unless they harass you then perhaps you can complain). Good Luck

Edited April 5, 2008 by motu

[Jigi 0]

hey,

Its because they have to maintain the code of conduct... All Foreign Embassy Staff follow it to maintain the secrecy andcode of conduct.

Jigi