Why strand outside the embassy in the hot sun??

Question

I'm from Jamaica, and a new embassy has just been built here, I notice that persons who are applying for visa have to stand outside the embassy on the side walk in the hot, boiling sun, I think its rather unfair since there is a big compound which can accomodate the applicants.

Why does the US embassy do this??

Answer 1

Security.   It's a bad rap I know, because I had to stand outside with my fiancee at the US Embassy in Manila for hours.   We got there to get in line about 2 AM.  Finally about 6 AM they opened the compound and we could sit down on some benches.   Then, about 8 AM, they let us inside.

As long as there are threats agains US Embassies, it will only get worse...

Answer 2

If you want to go to a store that's always mobbed with people, you may need to wait outside for a while.  Same with the Embassy.

An Embassy compound is for the running of the Embassy, its offices, its Motor Pool, etc.  It's not for the convenience of visa applicants.

Your question reveals the unbelievable sense of entitlement people feel toward the U.S.  Tell your own government to plant trees, shade the sidewalks, etc.  We're not asking you to apply for a visa to our country.  If you don't like it, don't apply.  They already put in an appointment system to help avoid this sort of thing.  If people come hours ahead of their appointment time, don't blame the Embassy.

Answer 3

In this age of terrorism, what choice do we have but keep them outside where suicide bombers can't kill embassy staff?  It does sound unfair, and a product of this age.  Please tell them all we are sorry.

Answer 4

They used to line up for blocks and blocks in Manila, 5,000 or more, every day.  Now they take appointments.  Maybe they should use an appointment system in Jamaica too.

There are no facilities on the embassy property to accommodate the size of crowds you are talking about.  It's a business office, not a stadium.

Answer 5

The embasies do not have any right to put shaded areas and benches outside the embassy gates as the walk ways and streets outside the gates belong to the countries the embassies are in.

They will also not let more then an alotted amountg of people in the embassy compound because of security concerns.

So if you want a shaded area and benches outside the US embasy in your country complain to your own government.

And if you dont want to put up with all our Sh*t, then may I suggest you should try to make a life in your own country.