Do you think it's unfair that some people need a visa to travel just because their own country is poor?

[Anonymous]

My relatives in Vietnam can't visit me in the U. S. without a visa because Vietnam is a developing nation and not on par with the U. S. in terms of economic stability. Now, if my relatives were from South Korea, they could travel to the U. S. whenever the heck they want to, just because SK is a developed nation similar to America. Don't you think it's unfair to restrict people from travelling based on the economy of their country of origin?

[BeMuse]

The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of "participating countries" to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Vietnam refuses to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. The criteria for inclusion is:

enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States;
issuing e-passports;
having a visitor (B) visa refusal rate of less than three percent;
timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports; and
maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

Your communist propaganda is weak...

[Asker]

Not just the United States. People in Vietnam need a visa to travel to all of Europe. Meanwhile, South Korean nationals can travel to Europe freely. Just because their country is developed. It's so not fair.

[BeMuse]

I posted the American rules. They are absolutely fair. They are all based on security concerns. If a country meets the security concerns America lets them visit for business or pleasure. It has nothing to do with the wealth of people.

[Astarlessnightsky]

I am pretty sure people from germany also need a visa to travel to the US, so its not only a question of wealth.

[Asker]

Funny enough, I have cousins in Germany (large Vietnamese population in Deutschland). They've came to the U. S. about 4 times by now, to travel and to attend a family reunion. They've never had any trouble gaining entry. Now, if they were from Vietnam, they'll probably be refused a Visa because Vietnam is so poor.

[Anonymous]

My grandmother is from a small village in northern Africa. My mom wants her to come over here in Germany at least once a year just for a couple weeks to have her by her side but she was refused a visa times and times again.
My grandma couldn't live in a city she'd never want to stay even we forced her to but richer countries keep thinking everyone is out to profit off of them...

[slatyb]

The theory is that people from developing countries are more likely to overstay their visa and find work.

[Guy13]

And, it can take a year with all the paperwork and interviewing