Please reinstate reissuance of nonimmigrant visas within the USA, a practice that was well settled, but was discontinued by the State Department (DOS) in 2004. See 69 FR 35121 (23 June 2004).
Both of the concerns for the discontinuance, “increased interview requirements” and “collection of biometric identifiers,” are now satisfied. With the passage of nine years, all biometric data from applicants has already been collected. Also, because reissuance applies only to visas that have already been granted, proper inquiries would already have been made. Additionally, note that DOS now has its own investigative resources in the Kentucky Consular Center.
Domestic reissuance of visas provides certainty to employers and employees, a pressing need in the present economic environment. Thank you.