Hebrew daily “Yediot Ahronot” reports that the US has lost it standing as the most desirable destination for Israelis considering emigration. The number of Israeli emigrants and tourists to the land of unlimited opportunity plummeted last year. Tougher US visa regulations since September 11, 2001, have caused many Israelis to abandon plans of visiting Uncle Sam.
The number of Israelis seeking to emigrate to the US rose 34% in 2000-03. The severe economic situation and the intifada caused many Israelis to pack their bags, leave on a jet plane, and start new lives beyond the sea. Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports state that 600,000 Israelis currently reside in the US.
However, figures collated by the US Embassy in Israel indicate a turnaround in 2004. Only 1,704 Israelis obtained immigration visas to the US, compared with 2,200 in 2003, a drop of 23%.
The embassy also reported a drop in the number of Israelis applying for immigration visas. Fewer than 3,000 Israelis asked to immigrate to the US last year, compared with 3,518 in 2003.
Fewer Israelis visited the US in 2004, compared with previous years. 97,074 Israelis obtained tourist, business or student visas to the US last year, compared with 104,000 in 2003. The US Embassy in Israel also received fewer applications for these types of visas.
US Embassy staff are proud of their efforts to improve services for Israelis. "An Israeli citizen now applying to a travel agency for a visa to the US usually receives it within seven to ten working days," said the embassy.
Nevertheless, the NIS 600 cost of a visa and the complex issue process, which sometimes includes interviews with applicants at the embassy and the presentation of numerous documents, has caused many people to give up the pleasure, and to seek alternative vacation spots.
The strict US visa policy began immediately after September 11, but Israel says that is not the only reason for the decline in the number of Israelis seeking to "embrace America".
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 3, 2005