| A new study shows that foreign travelers find | | | | United States as a result of their visit, while 74 |
| entering the United States to be both a fearful and | | | | percent are more likely to have an extremely |
| frustrating experience. | | | | favorable opinion of the U.S. versus those who have |
| The study, which was conducted by the polling firm | | | | not visited recently. |
| RT Strategies for the Discover America Partnership, | | | | During a conference call accompanying the release of |
| came up with a number of key findings, including: | | | | the results, Freeman said the survey is "a prescription |
| Travelers rate the U.S. entry process the "world's | | | | for change, a prescription for public diplomacy. |
| worst" by a two-to-one margin over the next-worst | | | | "One of the worst things we can do is maintain the |
| destination; they are more likely to worry about | | | | current entry policy that is turning these visitors off," |
| immigration officials than crime or terrorism when | | | | Freeman said. He added that it should take only minor |
| considering whether to visit the U.S.; and two-thirds | | | | changes in policy to turn some of these attitudes |
| of travelers surveyed are afraid of being detained at | | | | around. |
| a U.S. border because of a misstatement or other | | | | For example, he pointed out that the survey found |
| simple mistake. | | | | that travelers who need visas to enter the U.S. are |
| "This study should be a wake-up call for the U.S. | | | | willing to wait 46 days, on average, to get that visa. |
| government," said Geoff Freeman, executive director | | | | This is a longer time period than the U.S. State |
| of the Discover America Partnership, in a release | | | | Department standard, but months shorter than |
| announcing the survey results. "Visiting the United | | | | current wait times in several countries. It also found |
| States and interacting with the American people can | | | | that visitors expect "clear communications, respect, |
| have a powerful, positive effect on how non-U.S. | | | | and courteous treatment," from U.S. immigration |
| residents see our country. Unfortunately, perceptions | | | | officials, but not any kind of reduction in security |
| of a 'rude' and 'arrogant' entry process are turning | | | | standards. |
| away travelers and harming America's image." | | | | Making the necessary changes to meet visitors' |
| The survey also found that once travelers get | | | | expections is "not like shooting for the moon," |
| beyond the entry process, their experiences in the | | | | Freeman said, adding that the key will be to get U.S. |
| United States are positive. Sixty-three percent, for | | | | policymakers to "accept that there is a problem at |
| example, said they felt more favorable towards the | | | | hand. |