Being from Mexico, Why do i have to pay 150 dollars to get into the US?

Question

My mom and I want to go to Memphis during spring holydays (she´s an Elvis fan) and we have to pay 150 dollars each just to get the appointment at the embasy so they can tell us if we qualify or not for a tourist Visa, if the people at the embassy consider we don't qualify we don't get our money back! So, we could end up with no visa and 300 dollars less in our pockets. I completely understand the need of strict procedures since there are a lot of illegal migration problems, I understand the security issues and that's why I don't have a problem showing them my credit card reports, bank accounts and tje papers that show that i own a property in Mexico; but charging just for the chance of getting a visa?? isnt that too much??

I've never been in the Us or have any relatives or friends living there, we just want to fo to a touristic place. Must we pay for what others have done or do?? I don't think its fair

Answer 1

Hi Teresa! I'm mexican and live in Mexico City, i know it sucks, specially the fact that you dont get your money back if you dont get the visa. It's totally unfair. Last year a couple of friends and i wanted to spent new year in New York, so we called, made and appointment and paid the money. When we went to the embassy two of us got the visa and my friend didn't. We all brought the same documentation, bank accounts, credit cards, we already had the plane tickets, and neither of us have realtives or friends or know anyone in the States, but my friend didn't get it. When she asked why the man at the embassy just started saying "next, next, next" so she had to remove herself from the line. So, why didn´t my friend get the visa? well, because she looks "diferent" from us if you know what I mean... so i guess the logic behind this according to them is that there is a strange relation between the tone of your skin and the possibilities of you becoming an illegal inmigrant; they most have a color parameter graphic at the embassy or something. Anyway we had to cancel the plane tickets and pay the correspondent fee and ended up spending new year in Vancouver. Maybe she just had bad luck and the guy she talked to was just idiot. Our cancelled trip to the US turned out to be really expensive, my friend lost her money (150 dollars) and we had to pay a fee to the airline.

So, a piece of advice for when you go to the embassy, dress nice and put a big smile on your face, cause it's not just about the documentation, it's also about the way you look and whether the person who atends you likes you or not. Good luck

Answer 2

The reason why they charge for the visa just like every other country charges is to pay for the paperwork and the people who are doing it and all the other expenses of processing. Just for a mexican passport without the visa costs from 30 to 100 dlls. depending on how long you want it valid. If you want to make sure that you get your tourist visa book reservations to and back and have your plane ticket paid for the return flight. Dont say you know anyone in the states either. Make sure you tell them that all your family is in Mexico. As long as you have cash in the bank in mexico and property there shouldnt be any problem. I really dont see why you find it so strange to pay for a visa especially since in Mexico everyone has to buy their own applications to apply at a job and most public restrooms charge for toilet paper if there even is any. So come on. There is not one country that gives free passports to anyone unless you are military or from the consulado. You pay for your drivers license and pay each year to register your car so why wouldnt you pay for a visa? I just had to pay 100 dlls for my passport without a visa and I am a US citizen and I also have to pay each year to the mexican immigration services since I live in Tijuana.

Answer 3

I think thats ghastly and unjust. Frankly I think it should be reciprocating(US should charge the same as Mexico). At least refunded if they reject it. We talk about bribes in Mexico, but this Legal bribe is even more expensive. I think its because people are willing to pay and that Americans see little financial gains letting Mexicans in. People keep talking about illegal immigrants as a victimless crime, but don't seem to see the hidden cost. I hate honest people get charge extra because the illegal activities of others. I hope you get in and enjoy memphis. I wonder how NAFTA can work if it cost so much for Mexicans to cross the border?

Answer 4

That's absolutely horrible. For a vacation? I knew immigration policy was a big deal in this country, but this is ridiculous. I'm ashamed of my country for doing this. When I travel (USA citizen) internationally all I'm required to do is show a passport and fill out a small form on an airplane which asks where I will be staying, reason for visit, etc. Most Americans realize the Mexicans do not want to blow us up - this is clearly a case of overzealous department of defense policy. Please accept an apology from America on my behalf.

Answer 5

You just answered your own question....Ilegal imigration! Thats why, a lot of people originally arive to the U.S on tourist visas and end up staying here regardless of what the visa states.
They charge you 150$ so that they can make it difficult for others who plan to saty illegaly to apply for such visas. Oh...yea and not to mention how corrupt the Mexican government is.

Answer 6

No, it's not too much. I would add another "0" on the end of it, if I had the control. That way you could help we US taxpayers with the expenses of giving illegals free education and medical care here, while most of US citizens do not have those kind of rights ourselves. Even our own poor have to pay certain fees and taxes. Now you can help pay for your own countrymen's stay in the US.

Answer 7

The $150 is to process the paperwork, and i support mexican tourist just like mexican support american tourist in their country without the $150 charge.

Answer 8

I know it sucks, but you should feel good knowing that $150 is dirt cheap compared to what people from other countries have to pay to do the same thing ya'll are wanting to do.

I wish you and your mom the best of luck!