For Chinese applicants, the first step in applying for a visa is to make an appointment by calling 65325305 or 65322228. The problem is that the two numbers are so busy that often they can't get through. Mr Bennett explained: "Since all embassies have to use the 6532 telephone prefix and the number of lines is limited, the US embassy is only allotted two lines for our appointment system. Insgroupsto solve the problem, we plan to work through a contractor. Contractors don't have to use the 6532 prefix, so they can be assigned more lines and hire lots of people to answer calls. Applicants will also be able to use faxes and the Internet to make appointments, which will greatly enhance flexibility and convenience. Since the contract has not been awarded yet, I can't say exactly when the new system will be operative - hopefully sometime in the fall."

　　Almost every applicant has experienced "standing kungfu", i.e.shavingsto stand in the visa hall for two hours while waiting to be interviewed. Although there are some chairs and a water cooler, most applicants have to stand in line with a certain color card in front of a certain window. Why not provide chairs for all, or at least benches? When queried, Mr Bennett pointed out that at that very moment some 200 applicants were waiting to be interviewed. If people were seated, they would move slowly. Besides, there is not enough room for a lot of furniture.

　　"Nonetheless, you will notice that people here are well behaved. It's not as crowded as a typical train station. Of course, we have two staff members to keep order," he said. Even the rudest people pull in their horns under the strain of uncertainty. Those who get visas seem instantly to forget their exhaustion, whereas those who are rejected succumb to it completely.

　　The visa officers are frequently criticized for not explaining why applications are rejected. To this Mr Hopper replies: "We actually do tell applicants why they don't qualify for a visa. Insgroupsto help them we also have written explanations. Sometimes they want to know more, particularly about what they can do, what documents they can show to qualify for a visa. But it's not our policy to make suggestions. Our rule is that the applicants themselves must persuade us that they have a situation here in China which would lead them to return."

　　Some Americans feel that their Chinese friends have been refused without good reason and want to come to the embassy to complain. Is this useful? Mr Bennett said:

　　"We allow American citizens to come here on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 pm. We have two or three visa officers who talk to them. Since most American citizens are not familiar with US visa laws, their coming here is useful in the sense that we can take the opportunity to explain the law."

　　The reporter knew of an old American couple who came to the visa section on behalf of a Chinese girl admitted to American University's theology department, but their visit was to no avail.

　　Each applicant may have some questions about the visa application problem and those people who are rejected are likely to complain. Nevertheless it is a good idea for all prospective applicants to learn more about visa rules and regulations. Not long ago, Mr Bennett hosted a live interactive question and answer session on the net about US visa policy, which can be found at .