Stupid Question

[Maldez 0]

I'm sure this is a totally stupid question, but I'm new to all this and just have to ask.

Why can I, a US citizen with a passport, get on a plane and go to the Philippines with no problem. I'm issued a visa on the spot. But my Filipino gf, who also has a passport, can not do the same? She's a virtual prisoner in her country. What would happen if she just got on a plane, passport in hand, and flew to the US?

[Cassie 8]

Because way too many people abused the system, and the US government cracked down on it.

[Dakine 26]

Because way too many people abused the system, and the US government cracked down on it.

To many filipinos go illegal when they arrive in the US on tourist visas.

[*JG* 2]

Same thing with Jamaicans. It's not just Phillipinos. And, yes, I believe it is because too many abused the system.

[chris4gretchen 1]

If she got on a plane she would be refused entry in the US at whatever port of entry she hit. Then they would have her book a flight back to the Philippines on the next available flight and she would have to pay the return flight and change flight fees etc. She would be held prisoner in customs until she left on her flight back.

thats if she can get on the flight to the USA. They also have rules about first time travelers and they might require her to have a CFO seminar and stamp, and could refuse to let her on the plane there in the Philippines with no visa or CFO stamp. Either way it goes she cant enter the USA unless she has a visa and they will check her passport when she tries to leave the Philippines and when she lands in the USA.

Chris

Edited November 2, 2008 by chris4gretchen

[adiiann 163]

It is simply no waiver given to the Philippines for entering USA. POLICY!

[maliciant 7]

She is not a prisoner in her country, she is simply not welcome in ours... she *CAN* go to some other countries. I wish it wasn't next to impossible to get a tourist visa from the philippines to the US, I'd almost certainly be with my fiancee right now if it was, unfortunately I just have to wait until the NOA2 shows up to schedule my next flight over.

Many countries can come to the US much like we can travel to the philippines, basically any country which is significantly poorer than us, represents too high a risk of illegal immigration (or people adjusting status from visitor visa to marriage).

[pinktulips2012 1]

ASK THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (i'm kidding) i agree with the above statements a lot of people now, from different countries wanting to enter HERE --- USA but, US government want them to go here legally in a proper ENTRY not just jumping from other country going in HERE and hide their selves;)

Edited November 2, 2008 by stevent

[Jose Rizal 1]

Because way too many people abused the system, and the US government cracked down on it.

To many filipinos go illegal when they arrive in the US on tourist visas.

That's true. And if I'm not mistaken, the Philippines is number two on the list next to Mexico and beating India for the second spot in the last few years.

[Jose Rizal 1]

Because way too many people abused the system, and the US government cracked down on it.

To many filipinos go illegal when they arrive in the US on tourist visas.

That's true. And if I'm not mistaken, the Philippines is number two on the list next to Mexico and beating India for the second spot in the last few years.

Also, you won't be allowed to board the plane without a US visa. In fact, most local travel agencies ask whether or not you have a visa. They will not issue tickets without a visa.

[tallcoolone 102]

In USA we let over 14 milliions Illegal Aliens come into the USA.

Most from Mexico and countries south of Mexico.

Many are uneducated and bring in crime and disease.

On the flip side, In Philippines you have a country of highly educated people whom in my opinion would benefit the USA.

Very few Illegals from South of USA can speak English.

While most of the educated PI can speak and write English, and hold college degrees.

Very unfair in my opinion.........

[Stinky Monkey 1]

I know it is not fair, when I go over to the states on VWP I get 3 months..................when my fiance comes here to England he gets stamped with 6 months I have always wondered about that one.............

[janessnroland 0]

resiprosity.

I'm sure this is a totally stupid question, but I'm new to all this and just have to ask.

Why can I, a US citizen with a passport, get on a plane and go to the Philippines with no problem. I'm issued a visa on the spot. But my Filipino gf, who also has a passport, can not do the same? She's a virtual prisoner in her country. What would happen if she just got on a plane, passport in hand, and flew to the US?

[Otto 83]

What would happen if she just got on a plane, passport in hand, and flew to the US?

Wouldn't happen - she'd be asked about her visa when booking the flight, then it'd be verified at check-in. There'd be no boarding of the flight.

[ThaitoUSA 15]

I am a public school techer, and I work with scores of filipino teachers who have come here legally. They hired an agent in the Philippines to get them the visa and job. Generally this process, along with travel, costs several thousands US dollars. Once they get here, many find the work conditions to be less than optimal (they are teaching innercity youth). Some adjust well, while others want to go straight home to their families! Unfortunately due to the amount of money they put out, they're virtual prisoners here for about two years (the time it takes to save up enough to pay debt and get home). Most of them do have family back in the Philippines, which they support through their American salary. If they can make it here two years, they generally then bring their family over as well. They seem to fare much better once their family has arrived.

I mention this to illustrate that America does welcome people from all over the world, however there are conditions for entry. Every country has conditions, and there is good reason ours are stricter, as several posters have stated. I want our country to remain excellent, and if this process helps preserve and protect that, then so be it. I do not begrudge the process one bit, especially when we have communities like VJ that help one through it.