- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): This is the cornerstone of U.S. immigration law. It outlines how the government determines eligibility for various visas, including the B-1/B-2 tourist visa. The act also provides grounds for inadmissibility for those who violate U.S. immigration laws, including engaging in fraudulent activities or working without proper authorization.
- Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA): This act enforces strict penalties for individuals who overstay their visas, work without authorization, or misrepresent themselves during the visa application process. It plays a crucial role in the current tightening of visa rules, allowing the government to enforce in-person interviews more rigorously.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) enforces these laws by requiring individuals to provide additional documentation to prove their legitimate intent to enter the U.S. As part of the increased scrutiny, consular officers will now carefully assess whether an applicant’s travel history and plans align with their stated intentions.
Background Checks and the Role of In-Person Interviews
A major aspect of the policy change is the requirement for more frequent in-person interviews. These interviews allow U.S. consular officers to dig deeper into the applicant’s travel intentions and ensure there is no fraudulent activity involved.
The interviews will provide an opportunity to:
