Catching the Visa Express.

This article focuses on the visa program of the U.S., which allows people from Saudi Arabia to enter the U.S. with visas obtained from travel agents. According to the author, the Visa Express program is a symptom of deeply rooted problems in the bureau, which is charged with a unique and conflicting, pair of goals: to provide public diplomacy on the front lines and to screen out potential terrorists before they reach the country. It is reported that compounding the potential for errors in Visa Express is the de facto deputization of private Saudi travel agents. The consular officer is relying on the travel agency to screen out obviously unqualified applicants.