Immigration visas

As we work through this pandemic, one group of people being largely ignored by the federal government are in the visa process: Americans trying to bring family members or other loved ones to the U.S. We see a lot of effort with employment visas; those people in the process without a dollar sign attached are ignored.

U.S. embassies across the world have stopped processing since March. Inquiries get a response which basically is, “We are closed, we’ll open some time.” If asked when or what criteria will be used, there is no response.

Governments at all levels in the U.S. — a country with serious COVID problems — have been finding new ways to provide services to citizens, adapting to the pandemic. While the transitions have been rocky at times, agencies stopped closing the doors and telling us to come back when we have a cure. Procedures change, the jobs are getting done. Our State Department, however, seems quite content to sit back and have a cold one while families wait. It is needless and cruel. They will process a student visa, but not a spousal or fiancé visa. Our priorities are seriously out of balance.

John Elder

Marysville, Wash.