October 31, 2003

U.S. Embassy in Manila remains one of the largest visa issuing post

In the aftermath of 9/11 and despite recent modifications in visa processing to strengthen border control, the U.S. Embassy in Manila continues to be one of the largest U.S. visa-issuing Consulates.

Preliminary figures for Fiscal Year 2003 (October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003) indicate that Embassy Manila remains 2nd worldwide for immigrant visa issuance and 8th for non-immigrant or temporary visas. In FY2002, Embassy Manila issued a total of 31,404 immigrant visas and 159,170 non-immigrant visas or 8.1% and 2.8% respectively of worldwide issuance.

“Behind these numbers are the millions of Americans and Filipinos nurturing the closest human ties that are the true strength of the relationship between our countries,” explains U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone.

“Consular services are a critical mission of our Embassy. Our consular officers directly advance our Mission to revitalize the U.S.-Philippine partnership and carry it to maturity by strengthening our mutual security; building mutual prosperity, and serving the American and Filipino public with excellence.”

According to Ambassador Ricciardone it is estimated that there are over two million Filipino-Americans and Filipino permanent residents in the U.S. There are also an estimated 130,000 American citizens residing in the Philippines. “By any yardstick, these are two large groups and these will sustain a huge demand for U.S. consular services in the Philippines.”

“Our goal is to maintain secure borders while keeping our doors open to legitimate travelers,” the Ambassador adds.

###