Written by:  Maridane Hewes

When people abroad are asked where they most want to visit in the world, it is rare that the answer is the United States. A panel of three government officials gathered to discuss the current state of foreign travel to the U.S. and how the government is working to improve upon and increase incoming travelers.

Kenneth Hyatt, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade; Douglas Smith, Assistant Secretary to the Department of Homeland Security; and Edward Ramotowski, Director of the Office of Public and Diplomatic Liaison for Visa Services focus on programs that are making it friendlier and easier for international travelers to visit the U.S.

Brand USA seeks to promote the U.S. as a premier global destination. Travelers coming to the U.S. are likely to be positive advocates and encourage more visitors in the future.  Kenneth Hyatt explained that students from other countries are given top priority for visa processing since they will be here for a longer period of time and have a higher probability for more positive experiences within the U.S.

Douglas Smith said his department hopes to bring in as many qualified international travelers as possible. While one needs a visa to enter the U.S. for security purposes, more that 60% of qualified international travelers are exempt through the Visa Waiver Program, making long-term travel to the U.S. easy.

The Global Support Strategy is a new visa appointment system that combines visa services into one package with only one fee and appointment.

Global Entry is a U. S. Customs and Border Protections program that allows both international and domestic travelers to gain clearance faster when entering the U.S.  Low-risk travelers become pre-approved and a kiosk at selected airports makes this process even faster.

New programs create a need for an increased workforce. According to Edward Ramotowski the future is dire without support. There is a need for an increase in staff and improvements to the structure of U.S. airports.

Ramotowski also touched on the subject of never compromising between the economy and security. While he explained the importance of bringing travelers to America, there is also a concern for security.

The panel asked SATW writers to bring attention to the issues of the current state of international visitors, with the intention of creating a better experience for foreign travel in the U.S.