7M Nonimmigrant Visas Approved Without Interviews (2020-2023)

Key Takeaways:

Approximately 7.1 million nonimmigrant visas were issued without in-person interviews between 2020 and 2023 due to COVID-19.
Starting January 1, 2024, more visa categories and applicants will be eligible for interview waivers to meet growing demand.
OIG recommends CBP collaborate with the National Targeting Center to manage risks from visa applicants waived from consular interviews.

How Many Nonimmigrant Visas Were Granted Without In-Person Interviews?

Between 2020 and 2023, the Department of State (DoS) issued approximately 7.1 million nonimmigrant visas without conducting in-person consular interviews. This was a significant shift in policy, primarily due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes included waiving the requirement to collect fingerprints for certain visa applicants, although the exact number of those exempted remains undisclosed.

7M Nonimmigrant Visas Approved Without Interviews (2020-2023)

Why Were Interview Waivers Introduced?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions, leading the DoS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement temporary measures to manage staffing limitations and visa backlogs. By waiving in-person interviews and fingerprint collection, the agencies aimed to streamline visa processing amid the crisis.

Expansion of Visa Categories and Applicants for Interview Waivers

Starting January 1, 2024, the DoS and DHS agreed to expand the categories of visas and applicants eligible for interview waivers. This decision came as the fingerprint waiver program concluded in December 2023. According to VisaVerge.com, “The new policies aim to adapt to the growing worldwide demand for visas while maintaining national security.”

What Are Nonimmigrant Visas?

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to individuals seeking temporary entry into the United States for purposes such as tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study. The Visa Waiver Program also allows citizens of certain countries, primarily from the European Union, to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

Concerns Over National Security

The use of interview waivers has raised national security concerns. The lack of in-person verification and fingerprint collection could potentially lead to security vulnerabilities. A historical precedent exists: visa overstays were among the factors in the 9/11 attacks. However, despite these concerns, visa overstays continue to be the lowest priority for removal by U.S. immigration authorities.

Management Alert Raises Issues on Visa Holder Assessments

A management alert issued on June 25, 2024, by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlighted that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has limited information on interview-waived nonimmigrant visa holders. The report emphasized that not all port directors at U.S. entry points were aware of the interview and fingerprint waiver programs.

What Actions Have Been Taken?

In March 2024, the DoS began providing DHS and CBP with information on visa holders who did not receive interviews. CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO) instructed port directors to update inspection information technology systems, marking whether a consular interview was conducted or waived. However, the OIG report pointed out that only CBP officers conducting specific inspections have access to these records.

How Is CBP Handling the Lack of Information?

CBP officers initially conducting entry inspections often do not have access to details on whether visa holders had their interviews waived. CBP officials expressed concern about inundating officers with information, opting to prioritize what is shared. They plan to work with the National Targeting Center to analyze and assess risks posed by these visa holders.

Importance of Consular Interviews

Consular interviews serve as a vital mechanism for verifying the identity, background, and biographic information of visa applicants. These interviews help ensure that individuals pose no security risk before they arrive in the United States. With the interview waivers in place, CBP officers need to know which individuals bypassed this step to make more informed decisions.

What Are the Recommendations from the OIG?

The OIG has recommended two key actions to address these issues:
1. Collaboration with the National Targeting Center: CBP should work with the National Targeting Center to establish methods for managing risks posed by individuals who received interview waivers from the DoS.
2. Trend Analysis and Risk Mitigation: CBP should develop and implement a comprehensive plan to analyze trends and risks associated with visa holders who had their consular interviews waived.

Official Correspondence and Responses

The OIG report included a memorandum to Troy Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, from Glenn Sklar, Principal Deputy Inspector General, stressing the urgency of the issue. Among the important details, Sklar stated:

“We found that CBP has limited information on whether nonimmigrant visa holders have been interviewed by Department of State.”

CBP’s Position on the Findings

CBP leadership has responded to the OIG’s management alert, stating that the decision to waive visa interviews or biometrics does not alter how CBP officers conduct inspections. All travelers, irrespective of waivers, undergo an inspection process, including interviews, biographic, and biometric vetting upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry.

Continuous Monitoring

The OIG intends to keep monitoring the situation as CBP progresses in its efforts to work with the National Targeting Center or establish other methods to manage the risks involved. Developing strategies to address potential risks would better position CBP to carry out its mission of maintaining homeland security.

Final Thoughts

The issuance of approximately 7.1 million nonimmigrant visas without in-person consular interviews between 2020 and 2023 marks a significant shift in the U.S. visa processing system. While these temporary measures were introduced to cope with the pandemic, they have not been without controversy, particularly concerning national security implications. The expanded authorities effective January 1, 2024, signal a continued need to balance efficiency in visa processing with robust security measures.

For authoritative information on U.S. immigration policies and updates, you can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

The proactive measures recommended by the OIG and the responses from the CBP indicate the complexity of the issue and the need for ongoing vigilance. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for immigration authorities to ensure that the procedural adaptations do not compromise national security while meeting the global demand for visas.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Nonimmigrant Visas:
Temporary visas issued to individuals looking to enter the United States for a limited period for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, work, or study.
Interview Waiver:
A policy allowing certain visa applicants to obtain nonimmigrant visas without undergoing in-person consular interviews, introduced to manage disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department of State (DoS):
The U.S. federal executive department responsible for international relations, including the issuance of visas through its consular offices worldwide.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
A U.S. federal department charged with public security, which includes immigration enforcement and the processing of immigrants and nonimmigrants through agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Office of Inspector General (OIG):
An independent entity within federal agencies that conducts audits, inspections, and investigations to promote efficiency and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, including assessing visa holder evaluations and security measures.

This Article In A Nutshell:

During 2020-2023, about 7.1 million nonimmigrant visas were granted without in-person consular interviews, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy shift aimed to streamline processing amid the crisis. New rules starting in 2024 will expand eligibility for interview waivers, balancing efficiency with national security.
— By VisaVerge.com

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