ESTA Denied For Syrian-Belgian Friend

[KierenHby 897]

Great. But that doesn't mean that this isn't very frustrating and incredibly unfair to some. I just wanna show my friend around my new hometown.

It can be unfair, but blame the hidden ISIS sympathizers in European cities who've screwed it up for the rest. The US has been on high alert in recent months, and don't blame the US govt for being cautious. Visiting the US is a privilege, and not everyone has the automatic right to see a friend's new US hometown even if they're good musicians with clean records.

Your friend is free to apply for a B2, and he might be approved after due questioning.

[Jojo92122 1,924]

Great. But that doesn't mean that this isn't very frustrating and incredibly unfair to some. I just wanna show my friend around my new hometown.

How is it unfair? Does he have a right to use ESTA instead of having to apply for a visitor visa? Doesn't the US have a right to ask a foreign citizen who has been to Syria while we are fighting ISIL and wanting to enter the US to apply for a visa?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Millions of people travel on B2s every year. While it might be ever more slightly more inconvenient than using ESTA, it is not the end of the world. I don't know how it's really unfair to your friend. The US is being very cautious is all. Belgian police and intelligence have done a bad job finding the terrorists among them.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

Well point 1 for USA 0 for Belgium/Syrian roots.

They need tougher laws.

I honestly could careless anyone wanting to visit site see or what have you in the USA....Try YouTube...its great.

Edited September 29, 2016 by Anitafeliz

[Boiler 43,438]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/belgium-to-expand-targeted-security-measures-in-brussels-1475170959

Belgium to Expand Targeted Security Measures in Brussels
Officials plan to extend the ‘Canal Plan,’ which aims to find foreign fighters, to neighborhoods beyond Molenbeek

Enough said

Edited September 29, 2016 by Boiler

[Pennycat 880]

Great. But that doesn't mean that this isn't very frustrating and incredibly unfair to some. I just wanna show my friend around my new hometown.

And I just wanted my future husband to see this country before he committed to living in it. US immigration/ tourist visas/ ESTA does not care one iota what you, I or any foreign national wants out of life. He wasn't denied ESTA. He is ineligible for ESTA. He can apply for a B1/B2 visa just like the majority of the people on this planet would have to. At *that* interview he will be granted or denied permission to visit under *that* program.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

First it says no but then it says "case-to-case basis" and "we will continue to explore whether and how the waivers can be used for dual nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran and Sudan."

So basically it'll still depends on who you interview with?

Like, the whole thing is so vague??

The case by case basis is for people who went to those countries as a diplomat or as part of a military operation.

Well point 1 for USA 0 for Belgium/Syrian roots.

They need tougher laws.

I honestly could careless anyone wanting to visit site see or what have you in the USA....Try YouTube...its great.

Tourism brings money.

[Boiler 43,438]

There was an English guy who was a Contractor, he had to get a B, not an issue.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,370]

Because of the rules of VWP, your friend is simply ineligible for VWP at this time.

He can apply for a tourist visa, though.

[NuZayetsPogodi 117]

Great. But that doesn't mean that this isn't very frustrating and incredibly unfair to some. I just wanna show my friend around my new hometown.

Sorry, but so what? Plenty of people don't even get a B-2 simply because they can't show strong enough ties to their home country.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

The case by case basis is for people who went to those countries as a diplomat or as part of a military operation.

Tourism brings money.

Some monies are better left unspent...especially if its towards national security...

Finally the government is getting it together.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Some monies are better left unspent...especially if its towards national security...

Finally the government is getting it together.

Tourist bring in billions of dollars to our economy, and spend their money at local businesses. Without this revenue our economy would collapse. We need tourism. We just need to balance that with national security. But telling all potential tourists to watch youtube... no.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

Tourist bring in billions of dollars to our economy, and spend their money at local businesses. Without this revenue our economy would collapse. We need tourism. We just need to balance that with national security. But telling all potential tourists to watch youtube... no.

Ok as long as they are well behaved

[Dutchster 1,106]

Also wanted to pop in here to say it has nothing to do with your friend himself. My Dutch citizens aunt, uncle and cousins traveled to Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan last year (they're traveling the world) and they are not eligible for ESTA anymore, too. Government rules.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

Nele's gone