Meng Receives Answers About Denial of Visas to Young Israelis

April 21, 2014
Press Release

State Department acknowledges increase in visa rejections and pledges to remedy the problem

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, received the answers she sought from Secretary of State John Kerry about the widespread denial of tourist visas to young Israelis seeking to visit the United States following their military service.
In a letter she sent to Kerry last month, Meng expressed concern about the spike in visa refusals, and requested the rejection rate for tourist visas for Israelis aged 21 to 27.
The State Department told Meng that there has in fact been a significant jump in denial rates, and shortcomings in the visa approval process. The Department also pledged to remedy the problem quickly.
The State Department said that rejection rates for Israelis aged of 21 to 26 doubled from 16% in 2009 to 32% in 2013. The Department conceded that efforts to spot and prevent visa abuse is what led to the increase.
The State Department also agreed to quickly address the problem by examining ways to improve the visa process, and doing more to help young Israelis visit the United States. Actions to accomplish this include:
  • Directing relevant offices in Washington and overseas to review policies and procedures on visa adjudication and review, with a focus on applicants age 21 to 26
  • Directing the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv – together with relevant offices in Washington – to evaluate whether U.S. policies and procedures match with the facts and customs on the ground in Israel, and allowing for adjustments to be made where necessary
  • Expanding outreach and assistance to Israelis applying for visas
  • Developing recommendations for creating alternative programs to enable more young Israelis to participate in cultural exchanges in the United States
  • Creating with the Department of Homeland Security a joint U.S.-Israeli working group to help make Israel eligible for the Visa Waiver Program
"The State Department's increasing denial of visas to Israelis is wrong and unacceptable," said Meng. "I thank Secretary Kerry and his staff for responding to our concerns, and for agreeing to address the problem with a comprehensive plan. I will continue to exercise Congressional oversight on this matter to ensure that these critical reforms are put in place."