Mom from Philippines Denied of a tourist visa

[Boiler 45,525]

Seems to be mentioned more often with Russian etc going to EU where it seems to be a factor. Never seen similar comments for PI.

[MacUK 983]

Thank you for your response; I understand better now. Your last sentence is most applicable to my family so perhaps they'll be able to do so the second go around.

Regards.

That's the problem, there's not a single piece of paper in the world that can PROVE an emotion such as intent or patriotism.

I have at home my Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Lizzy MkII. To me it is a sincere oath of my love for my country when I signed up to fight for it.

As far as the US embassy are concerned it may as well be a piece of toilet paper.

It's down to how the applicant presents themselves at the interview. As lots of people say, most of the decision is made before the interview even happens. But it's at that window where the applicant has to persuade a total stranger of their intentions, in a system where you're guilty until you prove yourself innocent.

All you can do is tell the truth and hope for the best.

I will be trying again for a B2 at some point in the near future. I don't know what will happen but I can only do my best and be honest.

[Torete 121]

That's the problem, there's not a single piece of paper in the world that can PROVE an emotion such as intent or patriotism.

I have at home my Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Lizzy MkII. To me it is a sincere oath of my love for my country when I signed up to fight for it.

As far as the US embassy are concerned it may as well be a piece of toilet paper.

It's down to how the applicant presents themselves at the interview. As lots of people say, most of the decision is made before the interview even happens. But it's at that window where the applicant has to persuade a total stranger of their intentions, in a system where you're guilty until you prove yourself innocent.

All you can do is tell the truth and hope for the best.

I will be trying again for a B2 at some point in the near future. I don't know what will happen but I can only do my best and be honest.

I'm commenting specifically regarding the Philippines, but it's applicable to other countries as well. It's true, the Philippines doesn't have the best track record, but it's understandable and unfortunate at the same time.

Yes, it's problematic on more than one level. And it would be equally accurate to say that there's not a single piece of paper or document in the world that CAN'T be forged making any presentation a moot point unless the CO has a "belief" in their validity. (Provided they're asked for and reviewed.)

Reflecting on what you mention about how one presents themselves at the interview, (in my mind) it should indeed play a role in the CO's consideration but I can't help but wonder if the CO's take into account the very real possibility that many applicant's do not speak English very well. Even if a translator were utilized, that person wouldn't be able to accurately convey the intentions of the applicant. It's not outside the realm of understanding that many people feel intimidated by their mere presence at the embassy much less being in front of the CO. People get nervous, people sweat, become figidty...we're imperfect humans. It's not a perfect system, myself and others I believe understand that. I don't envy the difficulty the CO's deal with day in and day out, but at the end of the day, I truly believe they have the best interests of the US at hand.

As for yourself, perhaps you'll be successful. I will express similar sentiments (and others) to my wife's family so they may better understand this. They will apply again in another 4 months; I will NOT recommend they attempt to establish a "travel history".

Thank you for commenting MacUK, I hope this conversation will give the OP some insight.

Edited May 17, 2014 by Torete

[RhettVoe 282]

Documents cannot prove intent...if you believe otherwise, then point to one and demonstrate how a piece of paper can 100% guarantee that the applicant will depart the US (and not work illegally) when they are supposed to. I cannot think of one.

Yes, the applicants are 'guilty' until proven innocent, but that's the way our laws are written...now, if our congress (the worst money has bought!) would show some courage (that'll be the day!) and actually legislate and support laws that would end visa abuse, perhaps more people might get visas...but with the lax enforcement, unwillingness to apply penalties for those who thumb their noses at our laws, allow easy changes of status, etc...well, I don't blame the COs for being tough...after all, no one else is minding the store!

If I were 'king' and in charge of our laws, I would do the following:

1- end all waivers...period. NO salvation by marrying some desperate person living in a trailer park ...you overstay, you are barred...period. No exceptions.

2- end automatic admissions of six months...make it 3 instead....and if you think you deserve more, be fully prepared to explain why...

3- end extensions for the same reason as above...exception: you are in a coma.

4- end ALL changes/adjustments of status except from the K1...

5- EWIs should be barred permanently no matter who they marry...

6- get caught working, pay all back taxes on those under-the-table earnings before you are deported...if you refuse, barred permanently.

7- H1Bs - companies should be required to scout for qualified American citizens before handing over a job to someone from another country. Exception: the applicant has found a cure for cancer.

8- Create a better system for screening marriage fraud.

9- bottom line: cease tolerating abuse or willful disobedience of our laws....there is NO excuse.

10- asylum - end it. All that happens is our country will fill up with carefully coached liars and miscreants.

Now, I imagine I will hear a lot of flack...'oh, you are so mean'...so what? Whose country is it? Mine? Or somebody else's from another country. I want legitimate tourists, students, etc...not those who lie, cheat and scam their way into the US, then suddenly claim (while weeping mightily) how they 'want to be legal.'...sorry...you had your chance...

[MacUK 983]

Reflecting on what you mention about how one presents themselves at the interview, (in my mind) it should indeed play a role in the CO's consideration but I can't help but wonder if the CO's take into account the very real possibility that many applicant's do not speak English very well. Even if a translator were utilized, that person wouldn't be able to accurately convey the intentions of the applicant. It's not outside the realm of understanding that many people feel intimidated by their mere presence at the embassy much less being in front of the CO. People get nervous, people sweat, become figidty...we're imperfect humans.

Speaking as someone for whom English is my first language I admit I don't think much about how difficult it could be for people from other countries, but I'd like to think that those COs who are assigned to non English speaking embassies would be well aware of language barrier problems and take it into consideration.

As to fidgetiness (not sure if that's a real word but I like the sound of it), I pride myself that I'm a calm disciplined confident man who has always stood firm when under pressure.

But when I walked up to that window I felt like I was a kid again, being sent to the Headmasters office for doing something stupid in class. I dread to think how horrendous it must be for anyone with a more nervous disposition.

[Torete 121]

Hey MacUK,

I forgot to say it, but good luck on your next attempt, I would personally be interested to know if you're successful. Also, thank you for your level-headed responses it was great to dialogue with you.

Regards.

[Torete 121]

Speaking as someone for whom English is my first language I admit I don't think much about how difficult it could be for people from other countries, but I'd like to think that those COs who are assigned to non English speaking embassies would be well aware of language barrier problems and take it into consideration.

As to fidgetiness (not sure if that's a real word but I like the sound of it), I pride myself that I'm a calm disciplined confident man who has always stood firm when under pressure.

But when I walked up to that window I felt like I was a kid again, being sent to the Headmasters office for doing something stupid in class. I dread to think how horrendous it must be for anyone with a more nervous disposition.

You hit the nail on the head my friend! My mother-in-law, sister-in-law and child all expressed the exact same sentiment you have as when you went to the window for your interview....feeling like a kid, sent to the principal's office. (Mother-in-law a 30+ year retired school teacher) :-)

Thank you for expressing yourself in a compassionate manner; I hope it helps the OP also. I understand and I know my family will relate. I will share this thread with them.

You are correct, just be honest and present yourself with an air of confidence and hope for the best. Let me know if you're so inclined? Back to work for me...sigh.

[RhettVoe 282]

COs are trained to disregard 'normal' nervousness...that is to be expected in many countries...but there is a difference between the jitters and body language tells when the applicant is attempting to 'be creative.' That is one of the reasons good COs ask a variety of questions that are designed to elicit responses that can measure that credibility or consistency in answering...memorized responses are easily picked off...and inconsistent stories can often be identified, then poked out to see those inconsistencies, which will usually end in a denial (but the CO is NOT going to point all of the inconsistencies...they are NOT there to coach applicants for a future request....)...

some stories just make no sense...a 24 year between jobs who wants to 'hang out' for six months visiting 'friends' is...well....who in the world would believe that?

Or a single woman in her 20's wanting to visit some as yet unidentified 'family friend' for 3 months whom she has never met...

Or older folks who claim they have to tend the farm, but want to visit their adult children for six months...! Really? Who's watering and plowing the field?

Or the ever popular 'knowledge transfer' (i.e, computer programming in disguise) or other questionable training - especially by new hires...whose company has NEVER sent anyone to the US to 'meet clients and exchange product information'...

and there are thousands more...

The challenge for the COs is sorting out all of these stories and trying to identify the bona fide ones...all the time knowing that a particular culture is prone to abusing the visa privilege and our borders are a leaking sieve....

[kristinebelle 3]

Hi,

My mom will have her interview the 23rd of May for TV too.. I was wondering when did your mom know that she was denied? did they tell her on the day of the interview?

[Torete 121]

Hi,

My mom will have her interview the 23rd of May for TV too.. I was wondering when did your mom know that she was denied? did they tell her on the day of the interview?

Good day,

They will let her know right away with either an approval, or being given the disapproval slip (reason). They could also advise her that further "administrative processing" has to occur before a decision can be made. My in-laws found out immediately after being given the slip and getting their denial.

Good luck to your mother and think positive!

Regards

Edited May 20, 2014 by Torete

[mymarriagejourney 113]

I agree that the decision is made before the applicant arrives at the window. My in-laws were just approved and the CO didn't look at the paperwork that they brought showing their home ownership and bank accounts. The "interview" was no more than 60 seconds and they were given an approval.

Another interesting thing: The day their visa applications were submitted, the system showed a two week wait for an interview. By the time they made it to the bank to pay for their visas and that receipt made it into the visa system (several days), the system showed only a one week wait and plenty of available appointment times (over 20). I believe that the first look at their application showed that they didn't need the two week timeframe to background check and that the preliminary approval was already finished.

A lot is happening behind the scenes.

[Fil-Am 1]

Hi,

My mom will have her interview the 23rd of May for TV too.. I was wondering when did your mom know that she was denied? did they tell her on the day of the interview?[/quote

How was your mom's interview?