U.S. visa denied

U.S. visa denied

From Media Indonesia

I was very disappointed because the United States embassy has rejected my visa application without any reason, although I had completed all the requirements.

Here is the story. I wish to take my kids to Los Angeles and visit Disneyland during their school holidays. Together with 10 people in our family, I took Surabaya's Sitianta Express travel package to the U.S. We had planned to depart from Soekarno-Hatta airport on June 14, 1994 at 5:20 p.m., with stopovers in Bangkok, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong and then back to Jakarta.

The 11 of us applied for visas at the U.S. embassy in Jakarta on June 9, 1994. At that time I was questioned about various things by the officials in charge. Among other questions was whether I had bought the tickets, where I would stay in the U.S., and information concerning my bank account. I said that everything -- tickets, accommodation, transportation for our group -- was being managed by the tourist travel (BPW) in Surabaya. At this, the officials asked me to show the documents as they apparently did not believe what I had said.

On June 13, 1994, I returned to the embassy with the tickets and a note from the travel bureau stating that I would stay at the Hilton Tower Anaheim. In addition, I showed my banking account of US$50,000 and Travelers' Cheques worth $10,000 and other valid documents. Without giving any reasons and examining my papers, the officials rejected our visa applications.

We were very disappointed by the attitude of the officials who did not care about our ethical norms. We have shown great tolerance to U.S. tourists who often do not behave themselves while visiting this country. On the same day, two more people received the same treatment and were also denied visas to visit the U.S.

MRS. POCUT YOSEWINA ATTAHASIH

Jakarta