| 01 Mar 2000 Visa OfficerAmerican Embassy - Beijing Dear Visa Officer Re : Application for B1 Visa My application for a B1 Visa had been refused two times. This is my third attempt and in support of my application I am bringing with me all relevant documents, including : a letter of support from the Foreign Commercial Service of your Embassy; and a letter of support from Company A, the American company which our firm represents. As indicated in these letters an important task of my proposed trip is to accompany a few decision makers to discuss Phases 3 & 4 of the BWT Center's central air-conditioning system. It has also been pointed out that America is not the only country bidding for the project; there are other competitors. My trip is going to be financed by my company which has earmarked RMB 150,000 for the purpose. Company A has been supplying products to China through our company and the amount involved has been in excess of USD 2 million. The successful signing of contracts for Phases 3 & 4 of the BWT Center will consolidate the position of Company A as a leading supplier of Ice Thermo Storage Systems to sizeable construction projects in China. Apart from the USD 1 million involved in Phases 3 & 4, the potential economic benefits for America are not insignificant. Since the two rejections, I have been thinking a lot about the reasons for those decisions. I believe I was refused mainly because of fears that I may not leave America after expiry of my visa. I would like to explain the reasons why I will not abuse my visa and why I will return to China. From a business point of view, I am doing very well as the Deputy General Manager of Company C, a thriving business of which I have 15% equities. I derive an income of around RMB 400,000 per annum, an amount which I will not be able to earn, if I were to stay in America. From a personal point of view, apart from the acquaintance of the President of Company A, I have practically no friends or relatives in America. I will not feel happy if I were to stay in America as I shall be missing my parents who are 68 and 58. Most of all, I shall be missing my fiancee for whom I have known 6 years and to whom I shall marry in May this year. I see her practically everyday and the prospects of being separated from her has never entered my mind. Indeed, I believe a considerable amount of money will be spent on long distance calls with her during my absence from China while visiting America. If you have married, or if you have really loved a woman before, then you will know what I am talking about. I am presently living like a lord in China. Although to some people, America is a land of milk and honey but for me, China is my paradise because my roots are here. I would never entertain the thought of becoming a second class citizen in any foreign country, including yours. To an extent, I appreciate your reservations but I venture to suggest that these reservations, while applicable to some people in China, are not applicable to me. I am a genuine business person, working for a reputable business in China, representing a well established company in America. We have organized imports of US air-conditioning equipment in excess of USD 2 million and I am on my way to America to finalize a contract involving a significant project (BWT Center) amounting to USD 1 million. I have no intention whatsoever to abuse the B1 Visa because I can see no attraction for me to stay in America legally, let alone illegally. Yours truly Applicant L |
