asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the refusal by the United States authorities to grant a visa to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, who is unemployed, to visit the United States of America on holiday; if he will make representations to the United States authorities on her behalf; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Visa Application.
31.
As I informed the Dáil last week, my Department have been assured that it is not US immigration policy to refuse holiday visas to unemployed applicants. I am advised, however, that the relevant section of US law places on non-immigrant visa applicants the burden of overcoming a presumption that they are immigrants. Before the US embassy can grant holiday visas it is required under US law to ensure that the applicant has demonstrated compelling family, social, economic or other ties in Ireland which will oblige the individual to return here after a temporary stay in the US. If the US authorities are not satisfied on this count they are obliged to refuse the visa application. This rule is applied to all Irish citizens, irrespective of their employment status.
Regarding individual cases where visas have been refused, the US embassy have indicated that they are prepared to review each such case if new evidence, particularly in a documentary form, can be produced which will assist the applicant in meeting the requirements of US law. I understand that the embassy would be prepared to re-examine the case referred to on this basis.