Good luck with that US visa application – you’ll need it

As the author of the original letter, I would like to comment and ask for clarification on the two replies printed in this column on March 29. First, to embassy spokesperson Melissa Sweeney: The Nation chose to publish my letter of March 28 perhaps out of regard for freedom of speech or perhaps because others have had similar problems. I left my name off as I didn’t want a personal feud with embassy personnel. I checked the two official websites you cited and found hazy details on the concrete documentation required as part of a US visa application. 
Of course, there was a passport, then travel itinerary and “maybe” a resumé, plus the catch-all “additional information may be required”. My nephews had passports and a travel itinerary with a return date as well as information concerning their employment, but no request was made for a resumé or other information. They would have provided that information had they been asked for it. In fact, the interviewer apparently had made the decision before the appointment, since none of the documents brought to the interview were looked at. Regarding the numbers of visas approved versus disapproved, I asked for that information in 2012 and was told the data were either not kept or not available. And you skipped my statement about US visas routinely being issued to wealthy Thai fugitives from justice, including Thaksin Shinawatra. Additionally, I would like to know why I am not allowed status as sponsor for my nephews and guarantor of their return to Thailand, as is the practice in other countries. I included documents to that effect in 2012 and was informed it didn’t count. I asked several times to meet with an embassy representative to learn why the applications were refused and have had no luck to date.
To Mr Rees: First, doesn’t it seem wrong that you have to get the Secretary of State involved to obtain a visa? And if there are so many Thais living illegally in the US, that should be on the Consular and Immigration and Customs Enforcement people, not honest Thais asking for legitimate visas. I agree about the cost of a visa: Is there that much work involved in the processing of the documents? Meanwhile when I referenced historical evidence of anti-Asian prejudices, I was making the point that such policies have existed and may be part of the reason for the bias against Asians now. Thirty-two European countries (predominantly Caucasian countries) are allowed visa-free entry to the US, as opposed to only five Asian countries.
Still disgruntled,
Mark Harris