New Immigration Regulations Result In Reduction In Foreign Visitors

As a result of more restrictions on entering the U.S. due to post-9/11 security concerns, fewer foreigners are visiting the U.S. Foreign attendance at U.S. English-language summer classes has dropped by 30 percent. Arriving au pairs have been slowed by 10 percent. The world-famous Mayo Clinic, a magnet for international patients, has seen a 23 percent drop in foreign patients since 2001. General visa applications have also dropped, resulting in fewer visa approvals as well.

And the visa-screening process is becoming even tighter. Approximately 8 million people apply for visas each year. Beginning August 1, 2003, a majority of those 8 million are required to have interviews in person at U.S. embassies. For foreigners, this new interview process can mean traveling far distances to get to a U.S. consular office, where lines are so long, consular staffers have very little time to conduct an interview.

Defenders of the new restrictions argue that new immigration policies have protected the U.S. from domestic terrorist attacks since 9/11. However, with the visa application process becoming more difficult, and the new policy of interviews in person, many foreigners, be they artists, scholars, or patients, are giving up on America and taking their talents and business elsewhere. Other countries, such as Germany, are taking advantage of the imposing U.S. process and are offering more lenient immigration procedures. There is growing concern that by restricting foreign visitors from entering the U.S., Americans can have a terror-free life, but lose the cultural and economic exchanges.