Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

People around the world are still crazy about America. She reigns as a prime destination for the world’s tourists. Despite what you hear about America—the tough economy, the rise in bankruptcy filings, the record foreclosures—this summer still promises to attract a record number of tourists to the United States.

The American landscape presents so many features and attractions for the curious and eager tourist. Top destinations include San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, Disneyland, Miami, Hawaii etc. Fifty five million people visited the US last year. They spent an estimated $120 billion while staying here. Shopping was their favorite activity. Close to ninety percent of the tourist in 2009 went shopping in the US

Filipinos continue to arrive here by the thousands each year. However, the biggest stumbling block in entering the US remains to be the ever illusive tourist visa. The paramount question is "how can one obtain a tourist visa?" By some estimate, it is getting much harder to obtain one.

When it comes to getting a tourist visa, the overriding issue remains to be the intent to return to the Philippines. This issue is also known as the "intent to depart the US" It appears to come down to persuading the consul that you’re coming back.

If you own a house or property in the Philippines, you’re probably coming back. If you have a large deposit in a Philippine bank you may not want to permanently part with that. If you have a good job or a family, you’ll probably return. Bring the evidence. A mere promise that will return will simply not do. You’re not Douglas McArthur.

How can you shop and spend money if you don’t have funds? Show the consul that there is adequate financial arrangement. Show your bank account. Three hundred pesos in a bank account won’t get you a visa. However that’s good for coffee in Starbucks. The key here is adequate funding. How much will you need for a trip lasting several months?