Have visa laws become stricter in the States in recent years?

[mirror wall]

I haven't done much research into it but I have met two people who have had trouble in that domain. One is an EU citizen who has been here for a total of seven years working through a master's, a phd, and now a postdoc. He has to leave the country soon and will head somewhere in the EU. His research is in hard science and is applicable to a lot of biomedical utilization including cancer research and drug development.

Another is a freelance photographer who likes to visit for full three month tourist terms. This time they pulled her aside, interrogated her as to why she comes so frequently and cut her alloted time from three months to one month.

Is this becoming more or less common?

[leveymg]

1. Yes. This has become a very un-friendly place for foreign workers and some frequent visitors.

It's a major reason why foreign investment is drying up and multinationals are moving out.

[JCMach1]

2. Harder for normal people, NOT THE RICH-- Rich can still get visas

regardless of background, country, sponsorship, whatever...
'
Just go back to the Underwear bomber...

[Jazz Ambassador]

3. Not really

At least, not since the immediate tightening of restrictions immediately after 9/11. It's possible that enforcement is getting more regular.

The EU citizen who was here studying received a student visa (F1) that required him to return to his country of origin after completing his studies; all student visas have the same requirement. He can continue working in the U.S. if he finds a U.S. employer who petitions him for a work visa (H1B), but he's not allowed to just take a job if he finds one, nor to just hang out while he looks.

Your friend the freelance photographer was almost certainly pulled aside owing to suspicions that she's actually working in support of her freelance career while she's here -- which is not allowed on either a tourist visa or entry on the Visa Waiver program.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

4. I concur with Jazz Ambassador and I will add

that the freelance photographer will continue to be pulled aside for questioning because of the suspicion about the 'freelance' nature of her visits.

Other than that, I have not heard anyone who has a visa complaining about an increase in questioning or harassment.