TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Senator Jerry Moran has called for answers and reforms amid ongoing visa processing delays.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced Thursday, Feb. 23, that he and Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas, and Cory Booker (DN.J.) to invite President Joe Biden’s administration to deal with the continuing delays in processing visas.
“As an important aspect of screening potential travelers to the United States, we are writing to inquire about the steps the Bureau of Consular Affairs is taking to address visa processing delays,” the Senators wrote to the Assistant Secretary of State. State for consular affairs Rena Bitter. “These delays are impacting industries, businesses, universities and households across the United States. Businesses that rely on tourism suffer when potential customers cannot get a visa appointment in a timely manner. According to the US Travel Association, the average foreign visitor spends about $3,700 when visiting the United States and stays an average of 17 nights.
Currently, Senator Moran noted that the average wait time for an appointment at a consulate for a tourist visa is 25 weeks, however, times vary by consulate. Some have even waited for periods that extend beyond 200 days. He highlighted how the delays have negatively affected tourism, businesses and universities.
“Also, processing delays make the United States a less attractive place for companies to do business. These delays have reportedly prevented companies from bringing key employees to the United States,” the senators continued. “We recognize the administration’s attempts to reduce wait times by deploying critical technology, working in all countries, and improving transparency …Unfortunately, consular processing delays continue to present obstacles to both businesses and communities that rely on our legal immigration system and temporary guest worker, student and tourist visas to drive our economy and culture “.
To read the full letter, click HERE.
