| Hmmm... I sort of stumbled upon this blog by looking up articles on how difficult it was for foreigners to enter my country as a tourist. I know by reading some of the comments made that we (Americans) are seen as ignorant by many in the world community and there is a bit of truth to that I will admit. However, the world is just as ignorant of us. How many comments about crime and gangs have been posted here?? Yes, no matter where you go in a large city, you'll encounter unfavorable types and discretion is highly advised. I hear a lot of stories about how much "safer" it is in developing countries. Maybe true in the sense you're thinking but I beg to differ. I've spent enough time traveling around the Middle East and Asia being constantly bombarded by someone wanting to sell me fake coins, take me to the hotel that didn't burn down, or over charge me for a taxi ride. This is something you never find happening in America and if it did, you could take action on them. Oh they're just making a living and they're poor you say. Maybe so but I do not appreciate being harassed and cheated when I want to enjoy the world's wonders. So saying that America is unsafe period and that we are terrorists are inaccurate assessments made by disgruntled people on the hate trip bandwagon. Take a good look around your house and find something that's not an American product. You may hate us but you love our iPods! Our way of life is infectious and in some ways its sad, but many take a liking to it and live the dream. China is growing to be a big player in world economics but several challenges will prevent that from gaining is full potential. Many political, economical, and environmental issues are afoot. As far as obtaining a visa into the US, don't make it harder than it has to be. Realize that the interviewers do this day in and day out and are not into funny business. Most customs agents are humorless and will not hesitate to have you on the next plane back to where you came from if you even make it to the US. Just be as honest and normal as can be during the process and it will go well. It's like going to a job interview. Sometimes less is more meaning keep it to the point and try not to over elaborate your point. They'll assume you're lying and are trying to cover it up. They'll ask you strange questions to see what your reaction is like. Be friendly and answer accordingly. Try to keep your hand gestures to a minimum and maintain composure. Dress neatly and appropriately. Under no circumstances do you offer a bribe of any kind, you will be immediately denied. They're really looking for reasons why you need to return to your homeland. The more you can provide (like you own a business, have a large family to tend to, property), the better your chances. Adequate funds are also a big one. If you're a single person living at home in a less affluent family, it'll be difficult because it looks like you're jobless. In America, it's not common for young adults to continue living at home with their parents unless they are the ones helping out or going to college (note: People who do this are often teased because it's not socially acceptable in most cases. Independence is the American way and living with mommy and daddy makes you look loserish in American culture :-/...). Be sure to state what your reason is for visiting the US. Don't elude that you may be staying permanently. Any hint of that and you get the dreaded denial stamp. Any answer you give that supports the idea you're returning home in the end will help you. Ultimately, your fate is in the hands of the interviewer. Remember that though it's a bureaucratic mess to go through, these things are quite common in America especially during tax time. I was speeding to work one day and got pulled over. My insurance card expired the day before so the cop sent me to third circuit court and fined me. I never had to file so much junk in my life just for messing up on an insurance card! Everything was in order so I went in, showed them proof, and I was let go. Had I not corrected the error, things could have been much worse. The officials here insist on keeping order and rightly so. We cannot have anarchy. |
Getting U.S. Visa in China